A civil jury in Miami awarded a record $100 million to Andres Sousana, who alleged that he was drugged and raped by a Roman Catholic priest when he was 14 years old. Reverend Neil Doherty, who is currently retired, awaits a criminal trial in jail.
Jeff Herman, Sousana’s attorney in the case stated, “It sets a standard. Now we know what a jury thinks about these cases. No. 2, it sends a message that we hope will protect other children.”
In total, 26 people have accused Doherty of sexual abuse. According to the Miami New Times, 36 priests have been accused of sexually abusing minors in the Archdiocese of Miami.
USA Today 11/11/11; Associated Press 11/10/11; Miami New Times 11/10/11