The Archdiocese of St. Louis has agreed to a $1 million settlement in a lawsuit involving the childhood sexual abuse of a former altar boy. The victim, whose identity remains protected, alleged abuse by Reverend Gary Wolken at Ascension Catholic Church in Chesterfield, Missouri, spanning from 1993 to 1995, beginning when he was in the fourth grade. The victim suppressed the traumatic memories until adulthood and filed the lawsuit in 2018.

Attorney Rebecca Randles, representing the plaintiff, confirmed the settlement this week, commending her client's courage in confronting the Archdiocese in a challenging legal battle. The Archdiocese expressed hope that the settlement offers some solace to the victim and his family, emphasizing their continued prayers for all victims of sexual abuse and urging prayers for those susceptible to exploitation, particularly children and vulnerable adults.

Wolken, now 57, previously served a 12-year prison sentence (2003-2015) for abusing another boy in the St. Louis area between 1997 and 2000. He was removed from ministry in 2002. This is not the first time the Archdiocese has faced legal action regarding Wolken's actions. In 2004, they settled a separate lawsuit for nearly $1.7 million, based on claims of inaction by church leaders despite knowledge of Wolken's predatory behavior. David Clohessy of SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests) criticized the church's past handling of Wolken's case, highlighting their awareness of his predatory nature and their alleged failure to protect children.