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

Judge Orders Secret New York Archdiocese Files Must Be Turned Over to Victims’ Attorneys

Home  >  Sexual Abuse Law Blog  >  Judge Orders Secret New York Archdiocese Files Must Be Turned Over to Victims’ Attorneys

May 13, 2021 | By Horowitz Law
Judge Orders Secret New York Archdiocese Files Must Be Turned Over to Victims’ Attorneys


The Court's ruling pertains to 21 lawsuits filed against the Archdiocese and three other defendants for the sexual abuse of kids by Edwin "Ted" Gaynor, a former teacher and coach at several local grammar schools.

This week, a Westchester County judge ordered the Archdiocese of New York and three of its Catholic grammar schools to turn over documents requested by attorneys for the alleged victims of Edwin "Ted" Gaynor.

At least 21 people have accused Gaynor of sexually abusing them as children in lawsuits filed since the Child Victims Act statute of limitations window opened in 2019.  The plaintiffs say they were abused between the 1950s and the 1980s.  Gaynor worked as a teacher and coach at multiple Catholic schools throughout the Archdiocese of New York, including Immaculate Heart of Mary (Scarsdale), St. Bernard (White Plains), and Holy Rosary (Hawthorne).

The latest court ruling comes in response to the plaintiffs' routine requests for documents pertaining to Gaynor's history in the Archdiocese of New York, and, more specifically, what it and the other defendants may have known about the likelihood that he might sexually abuse the kids he encountered through work. The Archdiocese and the other defendants fought to keep the documents secret, arguing there is no relevant evidence in their files.

This part of a court case is often referred to as the "discovery" phase of a lawsuit, during which the attorneys for both sides obtain information and evidence relating to the case.  In this case, the documents are important to establishing the defendants' negligence in the employment and supervision of Gaynor and the children entrusted to his care.  Lawyers for the Archdiocese of New York claim that Gaynor was solely responsible for the four decades of abuse, and that Archdiocese officials were unaware of any abuse until the lawsuits were filed.  These documents are important to plaintiffs' attorneys because they help show what the Archdiocese knew, or should have known, about the dangers (or, conversely, what officials did not know).

This ruling represents a victory for Gaynors' accusers, who not only require the documents to proceed with their lawsuits, but who may also be able to shed light on any of the Archdiocese's efforts to conceal abuse allegations and endanger the general public through secrecy.  This was a battle well-fought and a well-deserved victory for survivors.

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Archdiocese of New York.  If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest or other Catholic clergy in New York State, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Archdiocese of New York 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 New York 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