Father Laurence Brett is one of more than 150 clergy members and others associated with the Archdiocese of Baltimore in Maryland who have been credibly accused or linked to clergy sexual abuse. Many survivors of abuse involving Father Brett can now pursue compensation and justice, seeking to hold the Archdiocese legally accountable.
If you believe you may have a sexual abuse case against Father Brett, you can contact an attorney representing clergy abuse survivors in these cases. You have rights and legal options. Get your free, confidential legal consultation today.
Who Was Father Laurence Brett?
Father Brett worked in Maryland, Connecticut, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania before leaving the United States to escape the investigations into clergy sexual abuse allegations against him. His known appointments and work include:
- Summer Employment, St. Gregory the Great, Baltimore, 1958 and 1959
- Curate, St. Cecilia’s Church and School, Springfield, CT, 1962-1964
- Curate, Most Precious Blood Church, Trumbull, CT, 1964
- Chaplain, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT, 1964
- Saint Charles Parish, Santa Fe, NM, 1965
- Saint Therese Parish, Albuquerque, NM, 1965-1967
- Weekend work, St. Pius X, Baltimore, MD, 1967-1973
- In residence, St. Jane de Chantel, Pasadena, MD, 1967
- Summer work, St. Patrick, Cumberland, MD, 1969
- Chaplain in residence, Calvert Hall College, High School, Baltimore, 1969-1973
- Teacher, Calvert Hall College, High School, Baltimore, 1971-1973
- Chaplain, School Sisters of Notre Dame Motherhouse, 1976
- Contract writer, Share the Word, Washington, D.C., 1974-1993
- Host of a Weekly Television Program, 1984-1991
- Malvern Retreat House, Philadelphia, PA, 1992
Father Brett admitted to clergy sexual abuse in 1964, telling the Bridgeport Diocese that he abused and assaulted a boy while serving in Connecticut. He was sent to treatment at Servants of the Paraclete in Jemez Springs, NM, then to Nazareth Hospital, Albuquerque, NM. This was in 1964 and 1965.
During this time, credible accusations show he continued to abuse children before taking an assignment with the Archdiocese of Baltimore. The Archdiocese assigned him to Calvert Hall. After his treatment ended in 1964 and 1965, there is credible evidence that he abused at least 20 boys in Maryland before being given a leave of absence in 1993. There is extensive evidence and allegations against Father Brett, especially from his years serving the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
According to an NBC News report, Brett died on the Caribbean Island of Martinique in 2010 at age 73, after years on the run from law enforcement.
What Are My Options If I Am a Survivor of Abuse by Father Laurence Brett?
Clergy sexual abuse survivors can pursue justice because of recent changes in Maryland law. Even if you were told in the past that time had run out on your case, you might be able to seek compensation and hold the Archdiocese of Baltimore and other liable parties accountable.
Law firms handling these cases provide free, no-obligation initial case consultations to ensure survivors understand their rights. These consultations are confidential, so no one will know you made the call unless you tell them.
A Baltimore clergy sexual abuse lawyer will review your case and discuss the next steps if you want to make a report. They can answer your questions and provide compassionate support and guidance throughout this process. They can also build your case and use corroborating evidence, including your statements and survivor videos, if available.
Where Can I Learn More About the Reports Against Father Laurence Brett?
The Maryland Office of the Attorney General published a report on clergy sex abuse allegations within the Archdiocese of Baltimore in the spring of 2023. Based on the results of a four-year investigation, this report identifies 156 clergy members linked to child sexual abuse, and the Archdiocese has placed some on its credibly accused abusers list. As a part of building the report, the AG’s office interviewed more than 300 child victims of clergy sexual abuse and discovered about 300 more. It reports that many more remain unidentified.
This report details the allegations against each clergy member, including Father Brett.
How Did a Recent Change in State Law Open Options for Survivors?
Inspired, in part, by the Attorney General’s report, Maryland lawmakers recently passed The Child Victims Act of 2023. This law changed how Maryland handles clergy sexual abuse allegations and legal action. This includes:
- Defining child sexual abuse as those who perpetrate abuse and anyone or any organization that allows it or ignores it
- Eliminating the statute of limitations for these cases, allowing survivors to pursue a case at any time
- Permitting retroactive lawsuits, meaning survivors who previously ran out of time to sue now have another chance to bring a civil case
- Raising the caps on recoverable non-economic damages from private institutions to $1.5 million per case
- Raising the caps on recoverable non-economic damages for government or public entities to $890,000 per incident
- Eliminating the cap on recoverable economic losses and expenses from private organizations
What Damages Could I Recover by Holding the Archdiocese of Baltimore Accountable?
Survivors can pursue compensation for their related expenses and losses while building a case against the Archdiocese of Baltimore or another liable party. Law firms handling these cases will document past, present, and future damages to prove the claim.
Generally, recoverable damages in these cases could include:
- Past and present medical bills for physical and mental health concerns
- Past and present income losses and reduced ability to work and earn if affected
- Past and present pain and suffering, such as emotional distress
Discuss Your Options for Pursuing a Clergy Sex Abuse Case for Free
Jenner Law is representing Maryland clergy sexual abuse survivors and filing cases against the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Our attorneys provide free initial case consultations and will answer your questions about this process. We take these cases on with no out-of-pocket or upfront expenses for our clients. Our fees come only from the money we recover for them. If we don’t win your case, you don’t pay.
Contact us online or over the phone for your free case assessment today.