Several residents in Washington County are awaiting a scheduled court hearing in Milwaukee Bankruptcy Court regarding a settlement reached August 24 with the Milwaukee Archdiocese.
The settlement will award $21 million to 330 survivors who claimed they were sexually abused by priests in the Archdiocese.
In West Bend two former priests from St. Frances Cabrini Parish are on the list of substantiated abusers including Rev. Edmund Haen and Rev. Charles Walter.
The number of claimants in the community has not been revealed. Two local victims sued the Archdiocese directly and were awarded $50,000 and $70,000 respectively. One victim from West Bend told the Washington County Insider that he filed a claim 59 years ago and “finally the nightmare is over.” More information on the final settlement will be released following the Sept. 29 hearing.
Information below from Database of Publicly Accused Priests in the United States
Edmund H. Haen: ordained 1923, died 1997; served at St. Lawrence, Milwaukee; St. James, Mequon; St. Kilian, Hartford; and St. Frances Cabrini, West Bend. Per 4/02 article, Haen had abused at least three men when they were youths. One man says at least two priests failed to report the molestations when they occurred in 1940s. He finally told Archbishop Weakland in 1989. Haen was forced to retire in 1990 and Aux. Bishop Richard Sklba told victim in 1992 that Haen had admitted the abuse and had been placed on severe restrictions. Died in 1997. Several other victims known.
Charles W. Walter: ordained 1974; Name on Archdiocese’s July 2004 list of priests fully restricted from ministry (or who would have been restricted if still living) because of credible allegations of abuse. Last assignment was at St. Francis Cabrini Parish (West Bend) from 1987-1993. Settlement paid to survivor 1993. Was “on leave” from 1993-1994 and on “sick leave” from 1994 to 1999. Retired in 1999. Worked as supply priest. Privileges restricted 2002. Remains fully restricted from ministry per 3/3/12 statement.
Photos courtesy Database of Publicly Accused Priests in the United States