St. John’s High School, located in Shrewsbury, faces grave allegations following accusations of historic abuse by a former religion teacher, Richard Doyle, dating back to the 1960s. Claims have emerged, suggesting that the school’s administrators repeatedly ignored the reported abuse, escalating concerns about the institution’s handling of such sensitive matters. Attorney Mitchell Garabedian, recognized for advocating for sexual abuse victims, is representing three brothers who allege that Doyle, a teacher at the school until his passing in 1976, abused them during their formative years.
Boston25 News obtained a statement detailing that two of the victims, former students at the prestigious high school, assert that the abuse occurred both at their family residence and in Doyle’s car. Shockingly, the third brother, who did not attend St. John’s, also claimed to have suffered at the hands of Doyle within their family setting. The victims’ legal representative expressed frustration, stating, “All three brothers have sought validation from the Xaverian Brothers for over three years but have been consistently ignored, causing further trauma.
A press conference, hosted by Road to Recovery president Robert Hoatson, provided a platform for two of the now elderly brothers to disclose their distressing experiences alongside Garabedian. One of the siblings recounted reaching out to St. John’s leadership in 2019, only to be directed to the Worcester County District Attorney’s office, where he learned that the statute of limitations had expired, preventing a criminal case against Doyle.
The victims shared accounts of Doyle allegedly infiltrating their family circle, exploiting the trust built to commit egregious acts. According to one brother, the abuse occurred approximately 25 times over a span of two years, leaving enduring emotional scars. St. John’s administration claims unawareness of any additional allegations beyond the 2019 report and has committed to conducting a thorough investigation while encouraging the disclosure of any new information, as stated in their communication with Boston25 News.
Despite the challenges posed by the age of the cases and the limitations within Massachusetts’ legal framework, Garabedian and Hoatson used the press conference to advocate for legal reforms that would better support victims of historical abuse. They stressed the importance of validating the survivors’ experiences, issuing an apology, and addressing their grievances, irrespective of the time that has elapsed. Hoatson described the abuse of children as “soul murder” and raised concerns about the limitations imposed by statutes of limitations for such grave offenses.
St. John’s High School, guided by a strict anti-sexual misconduct policy and under the stewardship of the Xaverian Brothers, now confronts a crucial juncture in its history. The institution faces the imperative task of addressing these distressing allegations, fostering transparency, and fortifying protocols aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of its community.
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