Albany Diocese Pays $8 Million Settlement to New York Man Abused by Priest

Survivor Receives One of the Largest Settlements in Diocese of Albany History

A New York man, Michael Harmon, has received an $8 million settlement from the Diocese of Albany following allegations that he was sexually abused for years by a priest beginning when he was just 11 years old. The settlement, one of the largest ever reached with the diocese, was finalized ahead of a scheduled jury trial on October 20, 2024.

The announcement came from the Albany-based law firm LaFave, Wein, Frament & Karic, which represented Harmon. The firm said that the diocese agreed to the multimillion-dollar payment after years of legal proceedings and resistance from insurance carriers. The case sheds light on decades of institutional negligence within the Catholic Church and the long-lasting trauma inflicted upon survivors of clergy sexual abuse.

Decades of Abuse and Institutional Silence

According to Harmon’s attorneys, the abuse was perpetrated by Father Edward Charles Pratt, who served as Vice Chancellor of the Albany Diocese during the time of the assaults. The abuse began when Harmon was an altar boy and continued for several years.

The diocese’s own records reveal that multiple reports of Pratt’s sexual abuse of children had been received before Harmon was abused, suggesting that officials knew of his predatory behavior and failed to act. During this period, Pratt resided in the diocesan chancery alongside then-Bishop Howard Hubbard, who himself has been accused of mishandling and concealing clergy abuse reports throughout his tenure.

Pratt was ultimately removed from ministry in 2002 and remains listed on the diocese’s public roster of clergy credibly accused of sexual abuse.

The Role of the New York Child Victims Act

Harmon filed his lawsuit under the New York Child Victims Act, a 2019 law that opened a legal window for survivors of child sexual abuse to pursue civil claims regardless of when the abuse occurred. The legislation suspended the statute of limitations for a two-year period, leading to a wave of lawsuits across the state against priests, teachers, coaches, and other trusted figures accused of abusing minors.

In Harmon’s case, the law gave him the opportunity to seek justice decades after the abuse ended. “This settlement brings to light this horrible abuse and the people who allowed it,” said attorney Cynthia LaFave, who represented Harmon. “Michael will live with this for all of his life, but he knows that by speaking out, others may find the courage to do the same.”

The Church’s Financial Reckoning and Ongoing Bankruptcy

The Diocese of Albany, like several other Catholic dioceses across New York, has faced mounting financial pressure due to the flood of lawsuits filed under the Child Victims Act. In 2023, the diocese filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing the need to reorganize finances to provide compensation to hundreds of victims while maintaining essential church operations.

The Albany case follows a string of large settlements in New York:

• In July 2024, more than 400 victims reached a $246 million settlement with the Diocese of Rochester after prolonged bankruptcy proceedings.

• In August 2024, the Diocese of Syracuse secured approval for a $176 million settlement with survivors.

These landmark resolutions highlight the widespread nature of clergy sexual abuse in New York and the significant financial accountability now facing the Catholic Church.

The Lasting Impact of Clergy Abuse

For survivors like Michael Harmon, the scars left by clergy abuse extend far beyond the courtroom. Years of trauma, betrayal, and silence often shape a survivor’s sense of safety and trust in both faith and community. Settlements, while not erasing the past, offer validation and acknowledgment that the harm suffered was real — and that institutions can be held accountable for enabling it.

Attorney LaFave noted that while the settlement is substantial, no amount of money can undo the suffering endured. “It does not erase the trauma that Michael Harmon experienced,” she said. “But it does ensure that the truth is public and that the diocese’s responsibility is recognized.”

Legal Support for Survivors in New York

Survivors of clergy sexual abuse deserve compassionate and skilled representation to help them navigate the complexities of both emotional recovery and the legal system. Thomas Giuffra, Esq. – The Abuse Lawyer NY, represents survivors of sexual abuse throughout New York with dedication, empathy, and expertise. His firm advocates for those harmed by religious institutions, schools, medical professionals, and others in positions of trust.

Attorney Giuffra and his team work to ensure that survivors not only obtain financial compensation but also achieve a sense of justice and empowerment. Every case handled by Survivors of Abuse NY is approached with the utmost respect for confidentiality and the survivor’s personal healing journey.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse by a member of the clergy or any trusted authority figure, you are not alone. Confidential legal help is available to guide you toward justice and recovery.

Source:

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/267231/new-york-man-receives-8-dollars-million-from-diocese-of-albany-in-abuse-settlement