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Archdiocese of Seattle settles 8 clergy abuse cases

SEATTLE — The Archdiocese of Seattle announced Wednesday a settlement has been reached with eight women sexually abused as children by Michael Cody, a priest who served in parishes in Whatcom & Skagit counties between 1968 and 1974.

The eight cases were settled for $9.1 million.

From Archbishop J. Peter Sartain, Archbishop of Seattle >>

"I deeply regret the abuse by Michael Cody against these victims and I hope this monetary settlement, and the counseling we have provided them, will bring healing and give them a measure of closure so they can move forward. It also is my hope that these individuals will accept my offer to meet with me so I can offer them my personal apology."

Cody, now deceased, was ordained in 1958 and has not served as a priest in the Archdiocese of Seattle since 1979. He was a parish priest throughout Western Washington.

The women who participated in the settlement were abused while Cody served at the following parishes:

  • St. Charles Parish, Burlington;
  • Sacred Heart Parish, La Conner;
  • St. Paul Mission, Swinomish; and,
  • The Church of the Assumption, Bellingham.

Anyone with knowledge of sexual abuse or misconduct by a member of the clergy is asked to call the hotline at 1-800-446-7762.

The names of child sex abusers among Seattle clergy and religious service members was recently released by the Archdiocese of Seattle. Read the names here.

See below for a map of churches, schools and hospitals in Washington state where child sex abusers, serving as priests, worked on assignment.