Vermont diocese settles abuse lawsuit for $965,000

Published: 2006-04-24

BURLINGTON, Vt. (CNS) -- The Burlington Diocese reached a $965,000 sexual abuse settlement with Michael Gay April 19 just before his case went to trial. Gay, 38, was seeking compensation for alleged sexual abuse by Edward Paquette in 1977-78. At the time Gay was an altar boy at Christ the King Parish in Burlington and Paquette was stationed there as an associate pastor. In a statement posted on the diocesan Web site, diocesan officials expressed "deep sympathy and regret" to Gay and others affected by clergy sexual abuse of minors. The diocese said it will borrow money to pay the settlement and no existing programs or charities will be affected. Of 17 other sexual abuse lawsuits the diocese faces, 11 involve allegations against Paquette, said diocesan spokeswoman Gloria J. Gibson. She said one of the other cases is slated for trial in July and another in September. Paquette, now in his 70s and living in Massachusetts, was permanently removed from ministry in 1978.

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