Abuse claims could cost S.C. diocese $12 million

CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston announced Friday it has agreed to settle child sex abuse claims, designating as much as $12 million for damages.

The class-action settlement between the diocese and attorneys representing possible victims has been given initial approval by a judge, said Larry Richter, an attorney for four victims whose claims were settled last year.

The church knows of at least eight other victims, although others may come forward, said Peter Shahid Jr., an attorney representing the diocese.

Under the new settlement, abuse victims could get anywhere from $10,000 to $200,000 while spouses and parents would receive $20,000.

Since 1950, 50 abuse claims involving 28 clergy members or other diocesan employees have been settled for almost $3 million, Shahid said. Those claims were not part of the new settlement.

Bishop Robert Baker said he hoped the settlement would bring closure to an ugly period for South Carolina’s Catholic community.

“I deeply regret the anguish of any individual who has suffered the scourge of childhood abuse and I am firmly committed to a just resolution of any instance in which a person who holds the responsibility of a protector has become a predator,” Baker said in a letter published in the diocesan newspaper.