Charged with child molestation in the late 1970’s, ex-priest Joseph John Henn attempted to evade the authorities by fleeing to Italy in 2003. In the years since then, Henn has been living in Italy without ever facing justice for his heinous acts.
Joseph John Henn served as a priest in the Salvatorian Order of the Catholic Church for several years before his actions came to light. After working at St. Mark Parish in Phoenix between 1978 and 1982, prosecutors brought official charges of child molestation against him, citing the sexual abuse of 3 different boys in that parish.
Now, however, Henn has finally been returned to Arizona by the Italian authorities, after he was arrested in Rome last month. He appeared before a Phoenix judge on Friday, June 14th. The Diocese of Phoenix, which has listed him as “removed from the ministry” for many years now, issued a statement last month that it was “pleased” Henn would finally receive justice.
Pursuing Justice for Survivors of Child Sex Abuse
Child sexual abuse is one of the most damaging crimes that a human being can do to another human being – and when it happens at the hands of a trusted clergy member, the psychological toll can be catastrophic. Although Joseph John Henn may be facing justice for his alleged crimes, many other victims of clergy abuse have not had the chance to fight back against their abusers.
As clergy sex abuse attorneys in Phoenix, our team at Montoya, Lucero & Pastor, P.A. specializes in helping survivors seek fair compensation for what they’ve endured. In pursuing a civil lawsuit, many survivors find that they can recover some portion of their peace of mind, and gain a financial buffer as they continue to work through therapy and medical treatment.
If you need assistance bringing an abuse claim in Phoenix, just give us a call today at (602) 483-6869.