American Bar Association
American Association for Justice
The Florida Bar 1950
Florida Justice Association

Miami Archdiocese Suspends Priest Accused of Sex Abuse

In Miami, the Catholic archdiocese has seen its fair share of scandal in the pat years. Recently, an Iraqi war veteran publically announced that the pastor of a Catholic Church in the area sexually abused him back in the 1990s. The war veteran admits that he was not willing to admit that the abuse had taken place previously. This is partially because he had been embarrassed.

The alleged victim says that the abuse took place back in the 1990s in Hollywood, California, before the pastor moved to operate St. Agatha Catholic Church in Florida. The Archdiocese of Miami has admonished the news media because they say that they did not ask probing questions and did not get the full story.

The archdiocese says that they have received various complaints against Rolando Garcia in the past but none of those allegations have proven to be accurate. No plaintiff has ever received a settlement when accusing the priest of sexual abuse. While the archdiocese has striven to defend the pastor, they recently gave up and placed him on administrative leave without comment.

Simmons said that he was a 16-year-old runaway when he met Garcia, and developed a friendship with the charitable priest. He was shocked when the priest began to sexually abuse him after he went to a movie with him one night. Because Simmons had been given a job at the church he felt that his employment would be in jeopardy if he reported the priest.

Simmons told reported he felt that if he didn’t submit to Garcia’s desires he would lose his income and his living arrangements. Garcia has adamantly denied the abuse allegations. If you have been abused by a Catholic priest, you will need a herd-hitting lawyer to work on your case. Contact an attorney at Klemick and Gampel who will help you to file a personal injury suit against your offender. You should not have to endure the pain and suffering from the crime without a settlement. Our Miami crime victim’s lawyers are here to help you get the justice you deserve!

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