More claim abuse by friar with ties to Orchard Lake, Michigan

Authorities: Brother Stephen Baker killed self after abuse allegation surfaced in Ohio

An attorney says 2 more lawsuits have been filed in connection with a Franciscan brother who killed himself in January amid allegations of sexual abuse.

The lawsuits were filed under pseudonyms John Doe.

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Authorities say 62-year-old Brother Stephen Baker stabbed himself at a western Pennsylvania monastery on Feb. 24 after the disclosure of financial settlements in 11 alleged abuse cases in Warren, Ohio.

Baker taught and coached at schools in Ohio, Pennsylvania and at a school in Orchard Lake, Michigan.
The defendants in this case include:

  • Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular Province of the Immaculate Conception
  • The Very Reverend Father Robert D'aversa Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown
  • Bishop Joseph V. Adamec
  • Bishop McCort Catholic High School.

More on this story:

Dozens more claim abuse by friar with ties to Orchard Lake, Michigan