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PFAU COCHRAN VERTETIS AMALA

Diocese of Albany Settles Sexual Abuse Lawsuit for $8 Million in Landmark Case Paving the Way for Hundreds of Unresolved Claims

Oct 17, 2025 | Firm News, News, Sexual Abuse

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Today, attorneys from Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala PLLC (“PCVA”) announced a landmark, $8 million settlement on behalf of Plaintiff Michael Harmon in a sexual abuse lawsuit against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany. The case – settled on the eve of a jury trial – marks the first settlement in a group of seven lawsuits where the bankruptcy stay has been lifted so individual cases could go to trial. The settlement represents a significant step forward towards resolving more than 400 cases against the Diocese that are stayed and pending in federal bankruptcy court.

The settlement is a major victory for survivors of child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Albany who have been waiting decades for their day in court. Mr. Harmon’s case was scheduled to start trial on Monday.

“We commend Michael’s bravery in coming forward, in standing up to the Diocese, in uncovering the magnitude of what the Diocese knew about its priests using their positions to sexually abuse children, and for his willingness to take his case to a jury trial for the benefit of all of the survivors in the Diocese of Albany,” said Mallory Allen, a partner at PCVA Law. “We are hopeful that the Diocese’s decision to settle this case on the eve of trial means that it – and even more importantly, its insurance companies – will step up and do what is right for the hundreds of others who were abused as children in this Diocese and who are still waiting for justice.”

“This settlement, though certainly substantial, does not erase the trauma that Michael Harmon endured,” said co-counsel Cynthia LaFave, of LaFave, Wein, Frament & Karic. “But Michael does know that this settlement brings to the public this horrible abuse and the people who allowed it. For him, it is believing that children today will be more protected because he was willing to go to trial is what matters the most. This is the first step in a long road ahead for all the survivors of sexual abuse in the Diocese of Albany. We can only hope that the road ahead is far shorter than the road they have already traveled since filing suit.”

About the Case

As a young and vulnerable child, Michael Harmon was sexually abused by Father Edward Charles Pratt. The abuse occurred continually from the time Michael was 11 until he was 16 years old. During the period of the sexual abuse, Father Pratt held the position of Vice Chancellor of the Diocese.

The Diocese had received reports about Father Pratt’s sexual abuse of children before Michael was ever abused. What is more, most of the abuse occurred in the Chancery of the Diocese, where Father Pratt lived with Bishop Howard Hubbard. Bishop Hubbard testified that he and Father Pratt had bedrooms across the hall from each other. Some two to three nights a week, Father Pratt would have young Michael stay in his bedroom with him overnight.

Michael Harmon’s case was filed as a result of the New York Child Victims Act (CVA). The CVA, passed in 2019, was landmark legislation that suspended the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse crimes and provided survivors with a unique, unprecedented opportunity to seek restitution and accountability for decades-old crimes. Since then, more than 400 cases have been filed against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany. In March 2023, the Diocese filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which automatically stayed the state court cases pending against. The hundreds of survivors continue to wait for a resolution of their claims by the Diocese and its insurance companies.

According to court filings, Mr. Harmon made an offer to settle his claim in late March 2025, but the Diocese’s insurance companies refused to respond to his offer, let alone accept it. The Diocese chose to settle his case on the eve of trial rather than risk a jury verdict. It is unclear whether the Diocese’s insurance companies will agree to pay the $8 million settlement.

Michael Harmon’s Story in the News

About PCVA Law

At PCVA, we are committed to holding institutions accountable and empowering survivors of abuse. If you or someone you know is a survivor of abuse within the foster care system or another institution, contact us for a confidential consultation.

Contact us by completing our online form or calling us at (253) 777-0799 and (206) 462-4334.

Since 2009, PCVA attorneys have represented thousands of abuse survivors with cases against major institutions like the Catholic Church, the Church of Latter-Day Saints, the Boy Scouts of America, schools, foster care organizations, and more.

Our Case Results

PCVA has a longstanding history of holding abusive organizations accountable for violating their positions of authority and exploiting individuals. Below, you’ll find links to some of our recent case results.