Settlement reached in clergy abuse case

WLBZ-TV, Maine/November 17, 2005

A woman from Boothbay Harbor has settled her lawsuit against the Catholic Diocese of Portland, for the sexual abuse of her son by a parish priest.

It's believed to be the first time a parent has successfully sued catholic officials in Maine for molestation. In the 1970's, Marie Tupper's son was molested as a toddler by the Reverend Thomas Lee. At the time, her mother was the housekeeper for the parish church.

Tupper believes Lee abused dozens more children, many of whom have never come forward. She wants Maine Bishop Richard Malone to make public the number of allegations against Lee, but so far, the diocese has kept silent.

Diocese spokeswoman Sue Bernard says the church encourages victims and witnesses to come forward and get help.

The Reverend Thomas Lee was removed from the priesthood and now lives in Portland.