Lawsuit Alleges Sexual Abuse and Institutional Coverup at St. Thomas More School

Attorneys Adam Horowitz and Jessica Arbour of Horowitz Law have filed a civil lawsuit against St. Thomas More School in Oakdale, Connecticut. The litigation represents a former student who alleges he was sexually abused by the school’s then-chaplain and counselor, Fr. Edward McGrath, during the 1992-1993 academic year. The complaint asserts that despite the victim reporting the abuse to the school's headmaster, administrators failed to investigate, notify law enforcement, or inform the student's family, effectively allowing the abuse to continue.

The lawsuit highlights a pattern of institutional negligence, alleging that the school prioritized its reputation over student safety. Records indicate that McGrath, who died in 1998, was later identified by the Diocese of Norwich as a priest with credible allegations of sexual misconduct. This new filing emphasizes that the school knew or should have known of the severe danger posed by McGrath but failed to implement necessary protections for its boarding students.

Attorney Jessica Arbour praised the plaintiff’s courage in pursuing justice against an institution that failed to uphold its duty of care. This legal action seeks to hold St. Thomas More School accountable for its historical silence and encourages other potential survivors to come forward. By exposing these systemic failures, the firm aims to ensure that institutions prioritize child safety and transparency over internal preservation.