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New Jersey can have a grand jury investigate clergy sex abuse allegations, state high court rules

NEW JERSEY, JUN 16 – The Diocese of Camden dropped its opposition, allowing a grand jury to proceed investigating decades of abuse and coverups in six southern New Jersey counties, following a $87.5 million settlement.

  • On June 16, the New Jersey Supreme Court unanimously decided that a special grand jury has the authority to examine decades-long claims of sexual misconduct involving Catholic Church clergy, as well as any related concealment by diocesan officials.
  • The decision ended a years-long legal battle sparked by the Diocese of Camden's challenge, which had blocked the grand jury from convening and kept proceedings sealed.
  • The investigation targets widespread abuse allegations from 1967 to 1974 involving named priests like Rev. Harold J. Bedford, who allegedly abused a now 62-year-old man from age five to thirteen.
  • Attorney Greg Gianforcaro called the ruling "a huge victory for survivors," while Assistant Attorney General Lyndsay Ruotolo affirmed the state's commitment to support victims and pursue accountability.
  • The ruling allows New Jersey to proceed with the statewide grand jury probe, which may influence accountability in other dioceses and reflects continuing public concern over clergy sexual misconduct.
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Las Vegas Sun broke the news in Las Vegas, United States on Monday, June 16, 2025.
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