Father Alfred Dean is Credibly Accused of Sexual Abuse of Boys in the Archdiocese of Baltimore from 1989-2002. Were You or a Loved One Among His Victims?

How Has the Maryland Attorney General’s Report On Child Sexual Abuse Brought Cases Like Father Alfred Dean’s Into the Public Consciousness?

Child sexual abuse within the Catholic Church was a taboo topic for many decades. Survivors were discouraged from speaking out and often faced dismissal or retribution by church officials if they attempted to make a report, even as an adult. Thousands of child victims were left to suffer in silence and face a lifetime of trauma due to the heinous acts of their abusers, while many of those same abusers were allowed to continue serving within the Church. Only within the past 20 years have independent investigations begun to uncover the extent of this dark issue plaguing the religious institution and the lengths some within the Church went to hide it.

The Maryland Attorney General’s Report on Child Sexual Abuse in the Archdiocese of Baltimore was another important milestone in bringing these acts to light and holding the Catholic Church accountable for the actions of the individuals they placed in positions of power. Father Alfred Dean was one of the clergy members named in the nearly 500-page report.

Unfortunately, Dean’s story represents a common pattern in these cases: allegations were reported against him, but he was not removed from his position and allegedly continued abusing boys in his parish until his dismissal years later. The failure of the Church to protect the children in their care is inexcusable, and victims deserve to seek justice for the pain they endured. If you were harmed by Father Alfred Dean or another member of the clergy, our compassionate religious institution sexual abuse lawyers at Andreozzi + Foote can confidentially evaluate your case and discuss your legal options.

Who is Father Alfred Dean?

Father Alfred Dean was a Josephite Pastor who served at many locations across the US from 1989 to 2002. In 2002, his faculties were removed by the Archdiocese of Baltimore, and he was placed on administrative leave due to allegations of child sexual abuse. He never returned to the ministry after this date, and he was listed by the Archdiocese as credibly accused in the same year.

Where Did Father Dean Serve?

Father Dean’s known assignments began in the late 1980s and included positions at parishes throughout the country until his dismissal in 2002. He appears to have served as a fill-in pastor in many places, staying in assignments for only short periods. Considering his consistent access to children in new locations, it is possible there are many victims beyond the ones recognized in the Maryland AG’s report. The current known assignments of Father Dean include:

• 1989: Fill-in Pastor, St. Veronica, Baltimore, Maryland
• 1989: Fill-in Pastor, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Washington, D.C.
• 1989: Fill-in Pastor, St. Joseph, Welsh, Louisiana
• 1989: Fill-in Pastor, Corpus Christi, New Orleans, Louisiana
• 1989-1990: Associate Pastor, St. Francis Xavier, Houston, Texas
• 1990-1993: Associate Pastor, St. Brigid, Los Angeles, California
• 1993-1997: Pastor, Holy Family, Natchez, Mississippi
• 1993-1997: Area Ministry, St. Anne, Fayette, Mississippi
• 1997: Fill-in Pastor, St. Brigid, Los Angeles, California
• 1997: Fill-in Pastor, St. Joseph, Welsh, Louisiana
• 1997: Pastor, Prince of Peace, Mobile, Alabama
• 1998-1999: Associate Pastor, St. Veronica, Baltimore, Maryland
• 1999-2000: Temporary Administrator, St. Francis Xavier, Baltimore, Maryland
• 2000-2002: Pastor, St. Francis Xavier, Baltimore, Maryland

What Are the Accusations Against Father Dean?

Prior to Father Dean being named as the head pastor at St. Francis Xavier in Baltimore in 2000, an anonymous letter was sent to Cardinal Keeler by a parishioner opposing his appointment. The letter alleged that Father Dean had a history of alcoholism and was known in the parish as a child molester. The letter was passed on to the Superior General of the Josephites. Still, neither the Josephites nor the Archdiocese appear to have taken any action to investigate the letter’s claims, and Father Dean was ultimately made the head pastor.

Two years later, in April of 2002, Dean was subject to questioning by the Archdiocese over two boys who appeared to be living in the rectory with him. However, he denied any wrongdoing, and the Archdiocese allowed him to continue in his position, only warning him not to be alone in the rectory with the boys or drive them home alone. In July of 2002, Dean faced accusations of making sexual advances on a 13-year-old boy within the parish. His abusive actions included unwanted kissing and hugging. The boy was extremely traumatized by Dean’s advances.

Dean was placed on administrative leave, and the subsequent internal investigation revealed concern about his fitness for ministry with minors, so he never returned to ministry. Criminal charges were filed against Dean but were later dropped. However, the victim did receive a settlement from the Archdiocese for an undisclosed amount in 2004.

How Can Our Law Firm Help if You Were Abused By Father Dean or Another Member of the Clergy?

Childhood sexual abuse perpetrated by individuals in power can cause life-long harm to the victim. Survivors of clergy abuse may struggle with interpersonal relationships, develop substance abuse issues, suffer from depression and anxiety, and have other aftereffects that can impact both them and their loved ones. While pursuing a lawsuit against the abuser, the Archdiocese, or other individuals or entities whose negligence contributed to the abuse cannot undo the harm those acts caused, it does allow the victim and their loved ones to seek closure and justice.

However, taking prompt action is vital. The state of Maryland has recently passed legislation that removes the statute of limitations on cases involving childhood sexual abuse. Even if the incident happened long ago and you had previously been told that you had run out of time to file a claim, you may now be able to pursue legal remedies. The Lawyers at Andreozzi + Foote have extensive experience helping victims who wish to hold their abusers accountable, and we can assist you. To learn more about your legal rights and options, contact our law firm today at 866-311-8640.