Public Media from Michigan State University

Mich. man files lawsuit against 2 Mass. ex-bishops

By AP

SPRINGFIELD, MA –

A 47-year-old Michigan man has sued two retired Springfield bishops, alleging their lack of supervision allowed a now-defrocked Roman Catholic priest to sexually abuse
him.

Peter J. Caffrey spoke Wednesday with his attorney at a news conference in Greenfield, where the lawsuit was filed. Caffrey alleges he was abused by Richard R. Lavigne for more than two years beginning when he was 13 and living in North Adams.

The Republican newspaper reports Caffrey says he notified the diocese in 2009 and church officials found his claim credible, but he became frustrated with the pace of the process.

Diocese spokesman Mark Diocese said he expected to have a statement later.

No telephone listing was found for Lavigne, defrocked in 2003 over other abuse allegations. A message was left Wednesday for a lawyer who has represented him.

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