Rockford, IL – The Diocese of Rockford has notified families of students who attended Boylan Catholic High School about an ongoing investigation involving Father Matthew DeBlock, a former priest and assistant principal at the school.
Allegations of Sexual Abuse at Catholic High School
Father DeBlock is being investigated for alleged sexual misconduct with a minor during his time at Boylan between 2012 and 2014. The Diocese of Rockford was recently informed about these allegations. No criminal charges have been filed against Father DeBlock at this time.
Diocese’s Response to Priest Allegedly Sexually Abusing a Minor
The Diocese has taken immediate action in response to the allegations:
- Father DeBlock has resigned from his position as parochial vicar at St. John Neumann in St. Charles.
- He is prohibited from engaging in ministry at any parish, school, or diocesan entity during the investigation.
- Statements regarding Father DeBlock’s status have been issued to all parishes and schools where he had been assigned since his ordination in 2008.
Students Share School Concealed Issues of Misconduct
Anonymous sources who attended Boylan during the 2012-2014 period have shared their experiences, suggesting a culture of secrecy around personal issues at the school. One source mentioned a small, discreet anxiety support group, while another expressed a lack of surprise at the allegations, citing a tendency to conceal such issues.
The Diocese of Rockford Offers Support for Victims
The Diocese of Rockford has encouraged anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse by an employee or member of the clergy to contact law enforcement and the Diocese’s hotline at 815-293-7540 or email reportsexualabuse@rockforddiocese.org. A victim advocate will contact reporters within 24 hours.
History of Abuse Within the Diocese of Rockford
This investigation follows a May 2023 report by the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, which named 24 abusive clerics and religious brothers, with ten connected to counties in the region. In April 2024, the Diocese of Rockford updated its own report, listing 25 names related to sexual abuse within the organization.
The Diocese of Rockford has stated it will provide updates to families as the investigation progresses.
Understanding What Legal Rights You Have If Sexually Abused By a Catholic Priest
The recent allegations against a former Boylan Catholic High School priest have brought renewed attention to the issue of sexual abuse within educational institutions. As survivors grapple with the aftermath of such traumatic experiences, questions often arise about their legal rights and options for holding responsible parties accountable. To address these concerns, we spoke with Erv Nevitt, a seasoned Illinois sexual abuse attorney. In this interview, Nevitt offers valuable information on the legal landscape for survivors, including recent changes to the statute of limitations and strategies for pursuing claims against both individual perpetrators and negligent institutions. His insights provide a roadmap for those considering legal action and underscore the importance of timely consultation with experienced legal counsel.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: What legal options are available for victims of sexual assault by Catholic High School teachers in Illinois?
Erv Nevitt, Esq.: Survivors have the right to file civil lawsuits against both the abuser and the institution that failed to protect them. In Illinois, the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse cases was recently extended. Victims now have until age 53 to file a civil claim, or within 3 years of discovering the abuse and its connection to their injuries, whichever is later.
Banville: How can negligent parties be held accountable in these cases?
Nevitt: Schools and dioceses can be held liable if they knew or should have known about the abuse and failed to take appropriate action. This could include inadequate background checks, ignoring reports of misconduct, or transferring problematic clergy members. Demonstrating institutional negligence is key to these cases.
Banville: What advice would you give to survivors considering legal action?
Nevitt: I’d urge survivors to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. While the extended statute of limitations provides more time, gathering evidence becomes more challenging as years pass. An attorney can help preserve evidence, identify all responsible parties, and navigate the complex legal process while protecting the survivor’s privacy.
Take Action: Your Path to Justice Starts Here
Sexual abuse survivors deserve support, respect, and a chance for justice. If you or someone you care about has experienced abuse, remember: you have rights, and you have allies. Our dedicated legal team stands ready to champion your cause. We offer confidential, no-cost consultations to help you understand your options and plot a course forward. Don’t let fear or uncertainty hold you back. Reach out to us today, and take a powerful step towards reclaiming your life and holding abusers accountable. Your story matters, your healing matters, and we’re here to ensure your voice is heard. Let’s work together to break the silence and create lasting change.
Source:
Mr. Banville is a personal injury attorney who has experience in handling auto accidents, work injuries, medical malpractice, dog bites, slip and falls, and representing survivors and victims of sexual abuse. Mr. Banville is affiliated with law firms in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, D.C., and Maryland. Abuse Guardian
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