Diocese: Archdiocese of New York
Religious Order: Congregation of Christian Brothers (CFC)
Notes: In a 2005 lawsuit, O’Brien was accused of sexually abusing the Plaintiff, beginning in 1979 and continuing until 1982. At the time, Plaintiff was a member of the Christian Brothers. In addition to O’Brien, the Plaintiff alleged abuse by at least two others in the order, which included sexual harassment and retaliation in future assignments. The lawsuit also alleged that O’Brien belonged to a sub-culture within the Christian Brothers known as “The Dancing Bears,” a group of men who acted out sexually with each other and others. In October 2009, the New York Supreme Court dismissed the lawsuit because the statute of limitations had passed as to claims against O’Brien
Sources: Southern District of NY; Hoatson vs. NY Archdioces et al. 05-CV-10467; Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, No. 07-102959; Renew America 05.17.06; Hoatson v. New York Archdiocese, NY Supreme Court Decision 102958/07 10.26.09; http://bishop-accountability.org/