Saint Louise De Marillac Catholic Church—Clergy Sexual Abuse in Covina, CA
Survivors of clergy sexual abuse suffer profound physical, emotional, and spiritual wounds. Living with sexual trauma caused by a trusted church leader can cause unimaginable distress. One of the most empowering things survivors can do is to understand their options through the legal system.
In the last several decades, the Catholic Church has been inundated with accusations of clergy sexual abuse, primarily against minors. Hundreds of these cases have surfaced in Southern California against various church leaders and religious institutions.
If you or someone you love has suffered clergy sexual abuse at Saint Louise De Marillac Catholic Church in Covina, California, or another church, you have a right to seek justice.
Clergy Sexual Abuse at Saint Louise De Marillac Catholic Church—Covina, CA
Saint Louise De Marillac Catholic Church stands at 1720 E Covina Blvd, Covina, CA 91724. Some survivors may not remember the name of their abuser, but most will remember the name of the church they were attending. If this is the case for you or your loved one, you may still have a legal case to seek justice for what you have endured. Here are two known abusers credibly accused of clergy sexual abuse at Saint Louise De Marillac Catholic Church in Covina, CA:
- Father Theodore Llanos served at Saint Louise De Marillac Catholic Church in Covina, California, from 1979 to 1985. He was accused of sexually abusing more than 30 minors from 1974 to 1994. In 1995, prosecutors filed a criminal case against Llanos for 38 counts of child molestation. The cases were all dropped because the criminal statute of limitations had expired. Llanos committed suicide in 1997 at the age of 50.
- Father Chris Cunningham served at Saint Louise De Marillac Cathoic Church from 2001 to 2004. He was ordained in 1989. He was accused of sexually molesting a 12-year-old boy at St. Louise de Marillac Catholic Church from 2001 to 2002. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles failed to inform parishioners about the allegations. He was removed from ministry in 2006.
These known abusers may not be the only clergy members to commit clergy sexual abuse at Saint Louise De Marillac Catholic Church. If you were abused at this church or any other, you should not have to suffer in silence.
What Is Considered Sexual Abuse?
Church sexual abuse may involve any unwanted sexual or lewd behavior forced upon an individual. It is important to recognize that consent to any sexual act cannot be granted by anyone under the age of 18. Examples may include:
- Any sexual interaction (physical or non-physical) with a minor,
- Unwanted sexual advances,
- Touching someone’s genitals without their consent,
- Performing nonconsensual oral sex on someone,
- Forcing someone to see pornographic images,
- Exposing genitals,
- Distribution of explicit photos, and
- Sexual penetration.
Clergy sexual abuse is not exclusive to children. Adults may also be abused, especially when someone like a clergy member is in a trusted position of power.
Filing a Church Abuse Claim
Seeking legal counsel is the first step toward bringing your abuser to justice, as well as the institutions that allowed the abuse to occur. The attorneys at Boucher LLP have many years of experience assisting survivors of church sexual abuse. We understand that no two experiences are the same. We are here to listen, and we are committed to providing the compassionate service you deserve. No monetary sum can make up for the abuse you have endured, but filing a sexual abuse claim against the institution that enabled the abuse can hold it legally accountable, let you start to heal, and potentially protect others from similar abuse.
We are here to support you through the entire process, including investigation, settlement negotiations, litigation, and most importantly, exposing your abuser. If you believe you have been a victim of abuse by a member of Saint Louise De Marillac Catholic Church or another church, contact us to schedule your case consultation.