Boston, Mass., Jul 18, 2018 / 12:07 pm
The Order of Saint Augustine has reached a $1 million settlement with eight people who were sexually abused by two members of the religious order in the 1970s and '80s.
The victims' lawyer, Mitchell Garabedian, announced the payment July 17, the Boston Globe reported.
"Because we are committed to justice in upholding the dignity of every person, and in a desire to promote healing, we have concluded the claims made against our Province," the Augustinian Province of St. Thomas of Villanova stated. "At the same time, we continue to work diligently to ensure the safety and protection of all children and adults."
The victims were five men abused by Fr. Robert Turnbull at Austin Preparatory School in Reading, 14 miles north of Boston, and three women abused by Fr. John Gallagher at St. Mary of the Assumption parish in Lawrence, 30 miles north of Boston. The victims were between the ages of 9 and 13.