Former Delbarton School Student Awarded $5 Million in Landmark New Jersey Sexual Abuse Case

Historic Verdict in First Civil Trial Against the Catholic Church in New Jersey

In a groundbreaking decision, a New Jersey jury awarded $5 million in damages to a former student of the prestigious Delbarton School who alleged he was sexually abused by a monk nearly 50 years ago. The verdict marks the first civil trial against the Catholic Church in New Jersey since the state opened a window allowing survivors of child sexual abuse to pursue civil claims, regardless of when the abuse occurred.

The plaintiff, identified only as T.M., testified that he was just 15 years old when he was sexually assaulted by Rev. Richard Lott in the mid-1970s. The case, heard in Morris County Superior Court, concluded with a unanimous decision by a six-person jury after less than two days of deliberation. The jury found that Lott, who remains a priest but is no longer a monk at Delbarton, was 35% liable for the abuse, while the Delbarton School and St. Mary’s Abbey were responsible for the remaining $3.25 million in compensatory damages.

The Details of the Case

During the five-week trial, T.M. recounted the harrowing events of New Year’s Eve 1975, when he was allegedly plied with alcohol by Lott and taken to a barn on the school grounds, where the assault occurred. T.M. described the traumatic incident in vivid detail, saying, “It just felt like my brain was seared with what had just happened.”

He later reported the abuse in a letter to Abbot Brian Clarke after graduating in 1977. However, Clarke — who died in 2019 — admitted in a 2018 deposition that he destroyed the letter to protect the school’s reputation. “It’s bad for the reputation of a school when there is sexual abuse associated with it,” Clarke stated. This admission became one of the most significant pieces of evidence in the case, highlighting the institution’s failure to properly address allegations of abuse.

The School’s Response and Pending Punitive Damages

Following the verdict, Delbarton School expressed disappointment, stating that they did not believe the damages were “fair or reasonable” and indicated plans to explore legal options. The school emphasized that the jury found no violation of the New Jersey Child Sex Abuse Act, asserting that they were unaware of the alleged abuse at the time.

Despite this claim, the case revealed systemic failures in handling reports of misconduct. The jury’s decision stands as a testament to the credibility of T.M.’s testimony and the lasting impact of his trauma. The proceedings are not yet complete, as jurors are set to reconvene to determine whether punitive damages will also be imposed against the Order of St. Benedict of New Jersey, which operates the school.

Broader Implications for Abuse Cases in New Jersey

T.M.’s lawsuit is the first of 39 pending abuse cases involving Delbarton School to reach trial. The institution, located in Morristown, New Jersey, has faced decades of allegations. In 2018, Delbarton officials publicly acknowledged that at least 30 men had accused 13 priests and monks, along with a lay faculty member, of sexual abuse spanning more than three decades.

That same year, eight civil cases were settled without any admission of liability. However, the growing number of survivors coming forward paints a troubling picture of long-term institutional negligence.

The wave of lawsuits was made possible by New Jersey’s Child Victims Act, passed in 2019. The law opened a two-year window allowing survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file civil claims even if the statute of limitations had previously expired. This legislation has since empowered many survivors to seek justice decades after their abuse occurred, leading to renewed scrutiny of religious institutions across the state.

The Courage to Speak Out

T.M., now 65 years old, took the stand to confront the trauma that shaped much of his life. Despite efforts by the defense to question his credibility — including pointing out that he maintained sporadic contact with Lott in later years — the jury found his testimony consistent and convincing.

This verdict not only validates T.M.’s experience but also sets a precedent for other survivors seeking justice. It underscores the importance of truth-telling, accountability, and the right of survivors to have their stories heard, regardless of how much time has passed.

Legal Support for Survivors in New Jersey

Cases like this highlight the vital role of legal advocacy in helping survivors of abuse hold powerful institutions accountable. Survivors often face emotional and legal challenges when confronting such organizations, but with experienced counsel, justice is possible.

Joseph L. Messa, Jr., Esq., of Survivors of Abuse NJ, is dedicated to representing survivors of sexual abuse across the state. His team provides compassionate and skilled legal representation to help survivors navigate the complexities of the justice system and pursue the compensation they deserve.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, know that you are not alone — confidential help and legal support are available.

Source:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/former-student-elite-catholic-school-new-jersey-wins-5-million-damages-rcna234507