Skip to content
Call Today: 888-283-9922
Horowitz Law Logo
  • About
    • Adam Horowitz
    • Jessica Arbour
    • Elana Goodman
    • Robin Kissin
    • DeeDee Scheller
    • Eric Cantor
    • Alexandra Slater
    • Attorney Referrals
    • Testimonials
  • Who We Sue For Sexual Assault
    • Churches & Other Religious Organizations
    • Massage Businesses
    • Doctors, Healthcare, & Hospitals
    • Schools & Universities
    • Boy Scouts of America
    • Cruise Ships & Yachts
    • Summer Camp
    • Cheer & Other Youth Sports
    • Sexual Assault By Uber & Lyft Drivers
  • Sexual Abuse Lawyers
    • Child Sexual Abuse
  • FAQ
  • Media Coverage
    • Reported Cases
  • Legal Blog
  • Search
Contact Us

Msgr. Benjamin Hawkes – Archdiocese of Los Angeles

Home  >  Sexual Abuse Law Blog  >  Msgr. Benjamin Hawkes – Archdiocese of Los Angeles

September 9, 2020 | By Horowitz Law
Msgr. Benjamin Hawkes – Archdiocese of Los Angeles

Monsignor Benjamin Hawkes


Ordained: 1950

Died: 1985

Assigned as follows:

  • 1951-1952:      St. Michael (Los Angeles, CA)
  • 1953-1969:      Archbishop's Residence (Los Angeles, CA)
  • 1970-1985:      St. Basil (Los Angeles, CA)

Summary of Abuse Allegations against Monsignor Benjamin Hawkes:

Monsignor Benjamin Hawkes was ordained a priest in 1950, who served in multiple parishes in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Prior to the priesthood, he was an accountant for Lockheed Aircraft. He held several administrative positions within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles including Vicar General, Secretary, Chancellor, Archdiocesan Consultor, treasurer, member of the Seminary Committee, member of the Building Commission, member of the Archdiocesan Advisory Board of Education, member of the Cemeteries Board, and member of the Priest Relief Association. The second-in-command to two cardinals, he ran the Los Angeles church for three decades, during which it grew into the largest, most diverse, and arguably the  wealthiest archdiocese in the country. He died in 1985.

According to media reports, in 1995, Monsignor Hawkes was accused of sexually abusing two boys from 1973 to 1985, while he was assigned to St. Basil in L.A. Both of the victims' claims were settled.

One alleged victim, a former altar boy, wrote in his April 1995 letter to the archdiocese, "Even though he is dead, I believe the Archdiocese should be aware of Msgr. Hawkes' actions. The man that I trusted and respected as a mentor and spiritual father took advantage of his position and left me with a traumatic experience to deal with."

As part of the 2007 $660 million settlement with 508 plaintiffs, in January 2013, the archdiocese released personnel files of 25 priests, including Monsignor Hawkes. His name appeared on the Archdiocese of Los Angeles' list of clergy credibly accused of sex abuse of minors.

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.  If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest or other Catholic clergy in California State, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles now have legal options, but filing deadlines will apply so do not delay in reaching out to us.  Our lawyers have decades of experience representing survivors of clergy sexual abuse in Los Angeles and nationwide. We can help.

Contact us at 888-283-9922 or adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com to discuss your options today.



Safeguard Your Future with Professional Legal Support

"*" indicates required fields

First Name*
Last Name*
How Would You Like To Be Contacted?
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
Disclaimer*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Related Blogs

  • How Can a Lawyer Help File a Sexual Abuse Claim Against Organizations?
  • Fr. Bernard Schmaltz – Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
  • Fr. Gerald Prinz – Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
  • Father Gerard Kinane – Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
  • How Do I File a Sexual Abuse Claim Against Clergy?
  • Fr. William Mannion, Jr. – Archdiocese of Baltimore
  • Health Department Issues Order Revoking Tommie James’ Massage Therapy License
  • Finding strength: Overcoming blame and embracing courage
  • Horowitz Law Client Sues Fontainebleau Hotel For Sexual Assault in Spa
  • What counts as a sexual assault during a massage?

Skilled Advocacy

Cycles Of Abuse And Fear Stop Here

The physical and emotional pain that stems from sexual abuse and assault can be devastating and have lasting, catastrophic effects on one’s life. If you or someone you love has been sexually assaulted or molested, contact a lawyer for sexual assault and child molestation victims today at 954-641-2100.

Meet Our Team

Contact Horowitz Law

While this website provides general information, it does not constitute legal advice. The best way to get guidance on your specific legal issue is to contact a lawyer. To schedule a meeting with an attorney, please call the firm or complete the intake form.

 

Cycles Of Abuse And Fear Stop Here

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
How Would You Like To Be Contacted?
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
Disclaimer*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Fort Lauderdale, FL
110 E Broward Blvd, Suite 1530
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-641-2100
Horowitz Law Logo
  • About
  • Blog
  • Team
© 2025 Horowitz Law   Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Sitemap