Support Father James DeOreo

Campaign Created by: Matt Rowe

The funds from this campaign will be received by Matt Rowe.

Goal: USD $300,000
Raised: USD $ 18,220

 Our goal is to raise funds for Father James DeOreo to clear his reputation from the groundless defamation of his character that is preventing him from potentially working ever again as a Catholic Priest. A misguided family has been led to believe that their son fell victim to an eating disorder due to a popular spiritual fasting program suggested by Father DeOreo. Seeking restitution of some form, the family approached the Diocese of Lafayette in Indiana claiming that undue pressure from Father DeOreo led to the eating disorder asking for $383,000. The Diocese saw no merit in the claim and took no action.

Later, after seeing a therapist for the eating disorder, and after being declined entry into a Catholic seminary, the young man “concluded” that while in high school, he was being groomed by Father DeOreo toward a sexual encounter. Based upon this “conclusion,” the family approached the Diocese a second time with the even more severe claim. The Diocese, perhaps out of an over sensitivity to this type of claim, immediately removed Father DeOreo from any ministerial duties.  He was also banned from living anywhere within Diocese property or near anywhere he served, and had to find and pay for his own lodging.

Father DeOreo adamantly denies any such behavior and states that the allegation is baseless. The evidence cited by the family of the young man is so ambiguous as to border upon ridiculous. These reckless accusations have been widely published in the state via multiple outlets. If the Diocese decides to "settle out of court”—a situation in which he has no say, the harm to Father DeOreo would be irreparable. Without a chance to properly clear his name, Father DeOreo remains out of work in his chosen vocation. The life-long impacts of such terrible accusations are difficult to estimate.

Although Father DeOreo prays daily for the healing of this young man and his family, he must have his day in court to clear his name. Since expensive cases of this nature tend to drag out over a period of years, we hope to raise $300,000 to help cover current and future legal related expenses.

You can read the Complaint for Decalaratory Judgement that Father DeOreo has filed asking the court to dismiss the case and explaining the details.

Lastly, this case has even greater consequences than those experienced by Father DeOreo. The ability to simply claim an injury cannot be sufficient to cause the type of harm he endures.Proof of wrongdoing or fault must be provided, otherwise any spiritual or other leader can be permanently and irrevocably harmed by false or mistaken claims. We risk becoming a society that considers one guilty until proven innocent, which is a travesty of justice and puts everyone at great risk.

UPDATES

Update #5 - The Struggle Truth for Continues
August 8, 2023
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Everyone should understand that there is no litigation against Fr. DeOreo. The only litigation is Fr. DeOreo suing for damages because he has been defamed and removed from his religious calling as a Parish Priest. He avoided taking this route until he had no other choice to clear his name once and for all.

The case is progressing, however. Facts revealed in the court filings demonstrate that the statements against Fr. DeOreo are completely false and without merit. Once litigation is concluded, there is every indication that the diocese will act quickly to complete its investigation and hopefully reinstate Fr. DeOreo back to active ministry.

To date, Fr. DeOreo has incurred $50,000 in legal fees and will incur at least another $50,000 to bring this case to a close.

In our opinion, these costs should not have been incurred by our priest, but rather by the diocese. Not every priest has the community support that Fr. DeoOreo has. 

Please continue to pray for and support Fr. DeOreo! -Matt

Update #4 - Thanks to You're Generosity We've Won Small Victory!
March 25, 2023
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On March 24th, the judge granted Father DeOreo's request for all the information the Dioceses has kept from him as "confidential"...to include all documents from the person who accuses him and that person's therapist.  It's a small win in the larger battle for justice, but now Father is able to see the information cited against him and prepare a proper response. Your donations directly contributed to this win by helping Father DeOreo cover his legal expenses, some $25,000 just for this part. Not only is this important to Father, but it is important to prevent anyone from falling victim to a very un-American process that allows one to be guilty until proven innocent while not being able to access all of the information against him.  Thank you, and God bless! -Matt

Father DeOreo Forced to File Suit Against Diocese to Obtain Critical Information
January 6, 2023
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Father DeOreo still faces an uphill battle with the Diocese of Lafayette in Indiana to return to his work as Catholic Priest. Although no charges were ever filed against him, and the diocese saw no merit in the claims made against him (and even declined to compensate the alleged victim), the diocese still refuses to let him return to his work as a Priest. He has been forced to file suit against the diocese for the following reasons:

1.      He requests all documents and information that are the basis for removing him from his priestly duties be provided to him.

2.      The diocese claims that the information used to reach their decision is protected, and therefore refuses to share it with him.

3.      As a result, even though he is innocent of any wrong doing, he cannot refute the concealed information.

4.      Father DeOreo agrees not to make any of this 'protected information' public, but demands that it be shared with him, his legal counsel, and the court so that he may fully and legally clear his name.

5.      This suit asks the court to order the diocese to provide this information at a hearing scheduled for March 3rd.

As predicted, pursuing justice for Father DeOreo is very expensive. This next phase of the litigation is estimated to personally cost him $25,000. Any financial assistance you can provide is greatly appreciated!

If you need official confirmation from Fr. DeOreo’s attorney that your donation was received, please leave your email address in the comment section and you will receive confirmation from Father DeOreo’s attorney.

Another way to donate is to mail a check directly to Father DeOreo’s attorney at the address below. To receive a confirmation of receipt, please add a note with your email address. 

Donation to Father DeOreo
c/o Michael L. Einterz, Attorney at Law
4600 Northwest Plaza West Drive
Zionsville, Indiana 46077

 

Fr. DeOreo is unable, at this time, to personally thank all the individuals who have helped him in his just cause.  However, he spends his days in study and prayer with the intentions of OLMC and his benefactors foremost in his heart.

We Still Need Your Support!
October 7, 2022
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Father DeOreo still needs your support to fight for his good name, reputation, and to remain an active minister in our church!  Baseless accusations such as these are cruel and truly devastating to his religious calling. Who will stand up for the righteous if not you?

Source of Campaign
July 1, 2022
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This campaign is completely independent of Father DeOreo who as nothing to do with it in any way.  It is a work on his behalf sponsored by his friends and supporters. -mbr

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