Suit Alleging Sex Abuse Settled by Chicago Archdiocese

The Archdiocese of Chicago has agreed to settle for $1.68 to $2.1 million a lawsuit alleging former priest Daniel McCormack sexually abused a Catholic school student.

The lawsuit filed against the archdiocese in 2011 alleged that during the 2000-2001 school year, McCormack maintained a sexually abusive relationship with a fifth-grader. The lawsuit also alleged the archdiocese was aware of McCormack’s history of sexual misconduct, but chose to place him in a ministry that gave him access to youth.

The plaintiff, who is choosing to remain anonymous, told the Chicago Sun-Times he’s pleased with the settlement.

McCormack pleaded guilty in 2007 to abusing five children. He was sentenced to five years in prison and removed from the priesthood. He’s currently confined to a state mental health facility.