Delaware Catholic Orders and School Settle Sex Abuse Cases

The Wilmington (DE) News-Journal reported yesterday that 14 Delaware men have settled for $7 million their suits charging sex abuse as children by two employees of a Catholic school.  The plaintiffs were abused in the 1970's and '80s, nine of them by Capuchin Friar Paul L. Daleo, and five by former wrestling coach John J. Fleming, both of whom were employed by St. Edmond's Academy.  The settlement was with the Academy, the Capuchian friars, and Brothers of the Holy Cross who run the school. It also requires the release of names of any others at Capuchin institutions with proven, admitted or credible accusations of child sexual abuse. Claims against religious orders were not part of the Diocese of Wilmington's Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization plan approved earlier this year. (See prior posting.)