St. Mary's Seminary in Roland Park, recognized as the nation's original Roman Catholic seminary, finds itself in legal turmoil as Tom Finnerty alleges he was the victim of child sex abuse at the hands of a former seminarian, John Banko, during the 1970s. According to WMAR-2 News, Finnerty's abuse began when he was just six years old, describing a disturbing pattern of events that purportedly included being given alcohol and contracting a sexual disease from Banko.
Finnerty, who is now involved in a lawsuit against the institution, has testified against his alleged abuser, emphasizing a deep concern for the safety of others. He stated, "The only reason I came forward was because I thought to myself, 'How could I not say something about someone who might be doing this to a person that’s the same as my three sons?'" according to WMAR-2 News. His legal action is coinciding with a looming constitutional challenge to Maryland’s Child Victims Act, which might repeal the statute of limitations on such cases.
Attorneys representing Finnerty allege that St. Mary’s Seminary was not merely negligent, but possibly a hotbed of abuse. Michael Belsky, Finnerty's attorney, highlighted to WBAL-TV that the seminary in the 1970s was "rampant with sexual promiscuity and child sexual abuse." Finnerty's struggle with substance abuse and repressed memories are said to be a direct result of the abuse, as his lawyer emphasizes his lifelong repercussions.
St. Mary's Seminary has issued an official response to the lawsuit, stating, "St. Mary's has reviewed the complaint and the disturbing allegations made by the plaintiff which date back to the 1970s. Due to lack of substantiating evidence included in the complaint, St. Mary's is unable to comment further in detail at this time." as reported by WBAL-TV. In light of these serious allegations, the legal team pursuing the case against St. Mary's is actively seeking witnesses to corroborate the environment and claims of past abuse at the seminary.
