Fr. John Shorty – Diocese of Portland

| Oct 4, 2021 | Abuser Profiles

Father John Shorty

Diocese of Portland

Ordained: 1974

Leave of Absence: 1994

Laicized: 2006

Assignment History:

  • Holy Rosary (Caribou, ME)
  • St. Patrick (Portland, ME)
  • St. Mary Star of the Sea (Stonington, ME)
  • St. Mary (Augusta, ME)
  • St. Francis of Assisi (Belfast, ME)

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Fr. John Shorty:

Fr. John Shorty was ordained a priest in 1975, who served multiple parishes in Caribou, Portland, Stonington, and Augusta in the Diocese of Portland. He was Youth Director and Moderator of the Diocesan CYO and Chaplain at the Maine Maritime Academy in Castine. According to media reports, he was placed on leave in 1994 following an allegation of child sexual abuse that occurred from 1976 to 1981. The alleged abuse took place in Caribou and Portland. The Diocese of Portland did not release information regarding the age/gender of his alleged victim/victims and the nature of the alleged abuse. When he was removed, parishioners at St. Mary were told he was leaving due to stress.

The Vatican laicized Fr. Shorty in 2006. He does not receive a pension or health care benefits from the church and is prohibited from celebrating Mass.

In July 2021, the state removed a 34-year statute of limitations for civil claims of childhood sexual abuse. As a result, another victim filed a lawsuit against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, claiming that he was sexually abused by a lay teacher and two priests, John E. Harris and John L. Shorty in the early to mid-1980s when the victim was about 13 years old. The abuse was said to have occurred in Westbrook. The victim claims he suffered severe and debilitating emotional injury, pain, and suffering, as well as physical and emotional trauma, and permanent psychological damage as a result of the sexual abuse.

Shorty’s current whereabouts are unknown.

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

Contact us at 888-283-9922 or [email protected] to discuss your options today.