On September 24, 2014, a courageous sexual abuse survivor abused by James R. Porter in Bemidji, Minnesota, found her voice and spoke publicly. Porter, a serial child predator, is suspected of abusing over 100 children in multiple states including Minnesota, Massachusetts, Texas, and New Mexico. James Porter’s file, including his laicization file, was released today as an ongoing effort for institutional transparency and accountability.
Survivors and attorneys held a press event to announce the release of the James Porter files and to support a survivor, known as Doe 24, who chose to speak publicly about abuse she suffered as a child. The event also highlighted a lawsuit filed against multiple dioceses and religious organizations accused of concealing Porter’s abuse and moving him between locations where he continued to harm children. Porter, a known serial offender, is believed to have abused more than 100 children across several states.
Speakers said the release of Porter’s files and the survivor’s decision to speak publicly were part of a broader effort to expose long-standing institutional secrecy and push for greater transparency and accountability. The survivor explained that she chose to come forward using her name to put a face to the issue and encourage others who were abused to seek help and speak out. The press event focused on disclosure, institutional accountability, and preventing future abuse by exposing how offenders were protected and moved between communities.
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