Brother Harold
Archdiocese of New Orleans
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Brother Harold:
In November of 2018, four men came forward with claims that they endured sexual and physical abuse at an orphanage and a youth home, Madonna Manor and Hope Haven. The alleged abuse occurred when they were young boys in the late 1970's and 1980's.
All of the men are referred to as John Roes, and sued the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Catholic Charities, and the Salesian Society in the lawsuits.
Two of the men said they had both been sexually abused by someone who was believed to be a member of the Salesian Religious Order named "Brother Harold." Both men remember Brother Harold as being an employee at Hope Haven in Marrero, Louisiana. The Archdiocese of New Orleans released a list of 57 clergy members credibly accused of child sex abuse, including eight Salesian priests who had pastoral assignments at Hope Haven and Madonna Manor. There was no "Brother Harold" listed.
The lawsuit also states that "at no time has the Archdiocese disclosed the full list of names of the brothers, staff or employees of Hope Haven-Madonna Manor who were accused of abusing children..."
The Salesian order issued a statement on November 14th, 2018, saying none of their personnel were working at Hope Haven during the timeframe mentioned in the new lawsuit, which was in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The statement otherwise declined to discuss the case, citing a policy against commenting on pending litigation.
No further information has been released by the Salesian order or the Archdiocese of New Orleans regarding the possible identity of "Brother Harold."
In April of 2020, the Archdiocese of New Orleans filed for bankruptcy protection. As part of its bankruptcy, the Archdiocese of New Orleans will be reviewing and paying claims for anyone sexually abused by diocesan priests and lay employees. This will likely include claims filed on behalf of anyone whose case may be beyond the statute of limitations.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims of sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. The Archdiocese of New Orleans filed for federal bankruptcy protection in April 2020. Our lawyers are now offering free legal consultations to discuss your legal options as a survivor of sexual abuse by priests and other employees of the New Orleans Archdiocese. Very strict filing deadlines will soon be set by the Bankruptcy Court. Most victims of abuse will never be able to recover damages if they miss this deadline, so please contact us to discuss your case today. Call us at 888-283-9922 or send an e-mail to adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com