Scroll Top

A Long Hard Road to Justice for Clergy Abuse Survivor

In 2008, a southern Illinois jury heard substantial evidence of a heinous, years-long diocesan cover-up of heart-breaking child sex crimes by Father Raymond Kownacki. Jurors awarded $5 million to one of the priest’s victims. Three years later, Belleville Diocese’s Bishop Braxton keeps battling relentlessly to avoid honoring the jury’s judgment and helping the priest’s victims heal.
 
Today, the Illinois Supreme Court opted not to hear yet another appeal by Bishop Braxton. For this one victim, it looks like his long struggle for accountability, prevention and justice may be nearing an end. The Diocese of Belleville must now pay this survivor.
 
I fear there are others who were assaulted by Kownacki – boys and girls – who are still trapped in pain and shame, feeling alone and helpless. I hope they will courageously speak up so that more of the cover ups and crimes will be unearthed.

 

Jeff Anderson & Associates

ATTORNEY ADVERTISING
Copyright ©2025 Jeff Anderson & Associates | Disclaimer | Privacy Statement | Accessibility Statement 

366 Jackson Street, Suite 100 • St. Paul, MN 55101 • 651-227-9990
12011 San Vicente Blvd, Suite 700 • Los Angeles, CA 90049 • 310-357-2425
363 7th Ave, 12th Floor • New York, NY 10001 • 646-759-2551