There have been many cases in Fort Smith where clergy members abused the trust the community has in them to commit heinous acts.
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we have years of experience handling sexual abuse cases, and our mission is to help survivors get justice. If you or a loved one survived abuse from a religious leader in Fort Smith, you can rely on us to support you through compassionate legal representation.
Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
Dealing with the consequences of abuse is stressful enough, which is why we designed our services to cause you no additional stress. We aim to ensure survivors receive the financial compensation they deserve so they can gain closure and the means to continue their healing journey.
Priest grooming and handling
Deacon assault and rape
Clergy child abuse filed in adulthood
Volunteer-perpetrated Catholic church abuse
Religious school priest teen sexual abuse
Case filed against a deceased priest
With Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, you will have a dedicated sexual abuse lawyer who is compassionate, sensitive, and highly experienced in sexual abuse law.
Prevalence of Clergy Sex Abuse in Fort Smith
No one knows how many Forth Smith residents suffered clergy abuse, especially as most cases go unreported. However, according to the Hamilton Child Advocacy Center in Fort Smith, 75% of the cases they handle are related to sexual abuse [1].
Although the rates of abuse reports are growing, that doesn’t necessarily mean abuse is happening more frequently. Instead, it could also result from increased awareness and more people coming forward [2].
What’s also concerning is that Sebastian County, along with Crawford, has a 35% higher rate of child abuse compared to other places in Arkansas [3].
Notable Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases and Accused Priests in Fort Smith
There have been several cases known cases of clergy sexual abuse in Fort Smith, most of them within the Diocese of Little Rock. Some of the perpetrators include [4]:
- Joseph Correnti – Church of Immaculate Conception (1972-1974). Died in 2002.
- John McDaniel – Christ the King (1957-1960) Died in 1974.
- Edward Mooney – Immaculate Conception (1955-1956) and St. Anne’s Academy (1956-1960). Died in 2009.
- Francis Zimmer, OSB – Counselor for Arkansas rehabilitation program in Fort Smith (1967).
- Walter Rajmund – He was in Immaculate Conception three times, between 1956 and 1957, 1960 and 1962, and again between 1963 and 1964.
- Edward Simpson – Immaculate Conception from 1954 to 1955 and again from 1969 to 1970.
- Francisco Porras – A part-time pastor at Rose of Sharon, a church that met in various churches around the Fort Smith area. Arrested in 2019 [5].
- Isiah Thompson – A church volunteer who was recently sentenced in Sebastian County court to 20 years in prison for abuse of a minor under 14 [2].
Common Forms of Clergy Sexual Abuse
Clergy sexual abuse can have various forms:
- Sexual harassment – Any unwelcome sexual advances, comments, and requests for sexual favors;
- Sexualized materials – Explicit images, videos, and texts;
- Grooming – Emotional manipulation intended to earn the victim’s trust;
- Sexual assault – Any forced sexual act, including kissing, groping, and rape.
The Profile of Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims
Clergy abuse victims can be of any age, gender, or background, but they are usually children or vulnerable individuals. A victim of sexual abuse will often suffer lifelong consequences, including:
- Emotional trauma
- PTSD
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Physical injuries
- Spiritual confusion
- Social isolation
Common Signs of Clergy Child Sexual Abuse
Sexually abused children can show signs such as:
- Sudden behavior changes – Anxiety, isolation, anger, and aggression;
- Fear of certain adults – Fear or discomfort around certain people or places of worship;
- Regression – Bedwetting, thumb-sucking, and other younger behaviors;
- Avoidance of religious activities – Avoiding churches or religious events;
- Sexualized behavior – Age-inappropriate knowledge or behaviors;
- Sleep problems – Nightmares and insomnia;
- Unexplained physical injuries – Bruises, injuries, or soreness;
- Drop in academic performance – Decline in performance or loss of interest in school activities.
Eligibility to Pursue Legal Action for Clergy Abuse
People who can file a civil lawsuit are usually:
- Child sex abuse survivors and their parents
- Adult victims of sexual assault or sexual harassment
- Adult survivors who were sexually abused as minors
Liability in Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases
In clergy abuse cases, both institutions and individuals can be held liable.
Individuals may face:
- Criminal charges—Criminal charges can result in prison sentences, fines, and placement on sexual offender registries. We are personal injury attorneys, so we cannot represent you in a criminal case.
- Civil liability – Civil lawsuits against clergy members and institutions seek compensation for the trauma suffered by the victim.
Victims of sexual abuse can also hold religious organizations accountable. However, proving a connection between the institution’s actions or inactions and the abuse is essential.
Several legal theories support institutional liability:
- Negligent hiring
- Negligent supervision
- Failure to report abuse
- Vicarious liability
The Statute of Limitations for Taking Legal Action in Fort Smith
According to recent sexual abuse law changes, there is no statute of limitations (time limit) for child sexual abuse civil cases in Arkansas. Under the previous law, victims of sexual abuse had until the age of 55 to file a claim. There’s an open revival window for expired claims until January 31, 2026.
If you’re unsure how this recent change may affect your claim, you can discuss this with one of our attorneys during a free initial consultation.
Types of Cases Handled by Our Fort Smith Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers
An experienced attorney from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help you seek justice in cases of abuse by priests, pastors, and other religious leaders. Our legal team has held abusers accountable regardless of denomination:
- Catholic Church – The Diocese of Little Rock published the names of several priests who sexually harassed and abused children over the last several decades [4].
- Protestant churches – We provide legal support for individuals abused by Protestant pastors, church volunteers, and other figures.
- Other religious institutions – Survivors of abuse committed by other religious leaders can also contact our law firm, and we will help them obtain justice.
- Educational institutions – Religious schools and their employees can also be held accountable for their actions or the lack of them.
Steps to Take if You Are a Victim
If you have been a victim of sexual assault or abuse, there are steps you can take to ensure your safety, well-being, and legal rights.
- Ensure you are safe – Get away from the abuser and seek medical treatment if necessary. Talk to a trusted friend or family member.
- Document the abuse – Save physical evidence and screenshots. Write down dates and locations.
- Do not share details about your case – Do not share details publicly during the process because it could damage your case.
- Seek legal help – Contact an experienced sexual abuse lawyer for a free consultation.
- Use local resources and support networks – Contact the Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault or the NWA Center for Sexual Assault.
How Our Fort Smith Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help
Clients who have suffered sexual harassment and abuse need time and energy to focus on their recovery. This is why we handle the entire legal process, including:
- Case evaluation – You can contact us for a free, confidential consultation so we can evaluate your case and explain your legal rights.
- Investigation – We gather evidence, including medical records, communications with the abuser, and witness statements.
- Expert consultations –Working with experts such as psychologists and investigators to strengthen the case further.
- Claim filing – We will file a claim to seek compensation for the physical and emotional harm you or a loved one have suffered.
- Help with legal procedures – Let us worry about the paperwork and deadlines.
- Negotiating the settlement – We negotiate a settlement, and if you’re not satisfied with the outcome, we can take your case to court.
- Representing you in civil court – We present the evidence, call witnesses and experts, and advocate for you to ensure the clergy member and those who enabled them are held accountable.
The Cost of Hiring a Fort Smith Clergy Sexual Abuse Attorney
Sexual abuse survivors deserve closure regardless of their financial situation. Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us a pre-agreed percentage of your compensation. In other words, there is no fee unless we win.
Compensation for Clergy Sexual Abuse Victims
A sexual abuse attorney can help you recover financial compensation for the following damages:
- Economic – This includes medical treatment costs, therapy, and lost wages if the consequences of the abuse affect your ability to work.
- Non-economic – When abuse occurs, it leaves consequences such as emotional distress, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and pain and suffering. You can also receive compensation for these things.
- Punitive – Punitive damages may be awarded to punish the abuser and the institution for gross negligence or misconduct and deter others from doing the same thing.
The compensation amount depends on several factors:
- The severity of the abuse
- The duration of the abuse
- The age of the victim when the abuse started
- Evidence of institutional negligence
Contact a Fort Smith Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today!
If you or a loved one has suffered from sexual acts or inappropriate sexual activities at the hands of clergy, it’s crucial to seek comprehensive legal representation. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and work to prove negligence by those responsible.
By taking legal action, you are not only protecting your rights but also taking steps toward achieving justice. Our dedicated team is committed to helping survivors achieve justice and holding offenders accountable.
Complete our online form or call us at (888) 424-5757.
Related Practice Areas
- Arkansas Catholic Diocese Priest Abuse List
- Fayetteville Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- Jonesboro Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- Little Rock Clergy Abuse Lawyer
- Springdale Clergy Abuse Lawyer
Resources: [1] Yahoo News; [2] SW Times; [3] 4029 News; [4] Diocese of Little Rock; [5] Arkansas Online