New Jersey Diocese Reaches “Six-Figure” Settlement Over Sexual Abuse Claim

The Paterson Roman Catholic Diocese has reached a “six-figure” settlement with a woman who alleged that she was repeatedly abused by Monsignor Ronald Tully, her vice-principal at Passaic Catholic High School. According to her suit, Tully fondled her 20 times in 1977 when she was 16-year-old student at Pope Pius XII Retional High School. At least nine other victims have received over $2 million in settlements over claims of clergy sexual abuse by Ronald Tully. Troublingly, Tully continues to receive a pension after being put on administrative leave more than a decade ago. The diocese filed paperwork with the Vatican to defrock him – a process known in the church as laicization.  A spokesperson for the diocese said he didn’t know why it has taken so long. Tully’s whereabouts are unknown. News Source: NJ.com