Helping Child Sexual Abuse Survivors of Maryville Academy
Victims of priest sexual abuse in Illinois have rights – it’s time to take your power back
Maryville Academy, initially known as Saint Mary’s Training School, was established in 1883 as an orphanage for boys by Archbishop Patrick A. Feehan. As the population of the campus grew, so did the facilities at Maryville, eventually leading to the construction of a high school program for girls and boys, a foster care program, a shelter for homeless and runaway children, and the Crisis Nursery for families and children dealing with trauma and neglect.
While Maryville presents a public image of generosity and morality, nefarious activities were occurring behind closed doors. Recently, a surge of survivors who alleged they were sexually abused at Mayville Academy have come forward and filed lawsuits identifying Fr. John Smyth and Fr. David Ryan.
If you, or someone you know, were sexually abused at Mayville Academy in Des Plaines, Illinois, we want to help. Contact us for a confidential conversation
Priests Accused of Child Sexual Abuse at Maryville Academy in Des Plaines, Illinois
Fr. John Smyth, who died in 2019, was ordained as a priest in the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1962 and was assigned to a variety of roles at Mayville Academy for over 40 years. Smyth has been identified in lawsuits and accused of sexually abusing children during his tenure at Maryville. In the early 2000s, Smyth resigned as the Executive Director at Maryville following the death by suicide of a minor and another minor alleging they were sexually abused at Maryville. Smyth served at Notre Dame College Prep in Niles, Illinois, until he retired in 2014.
Since November 2020, parishioners of Saint Francis de Sales have received a series of troubling updates regarding their longtime pastor, Fr. David Ryan. Initially removed from ministry after being accused of sexually abusing a minor at Maryville Academy decades earlier, Ryan was quickly reinstated by the Archdiocese of Chicago Independent Review Board’s finding of “insufficient reason” to suspect abuse. Within weeks, however, new details emerged, yet Ryan was once again returned to ministry.
By September 2022, multiple survivors had come forward with allegations, but the archdiocese’s response remained the same: Ryan was only asked to “step aside” pending further review. In February 2023, despite mounting accusations, the archdiocese reinstated Ryan again, this time claiming survivors had refused to cooperate with investigations.
Most recently, in July 2025, another allegation surfaced tied to Ryan’s time at Maryville Academy. He was once again removed from ministry, and a lawsuit has now been filed naming him directly.
Fr. David Ryan’s Accusations of Abuse & Reinstatements:
- November 2020: The Archdiocese of Chicago informs Saint Francis de Sales parishioners that Fr. Ryan has been accused of sexual abuse, and he must step away from active ministry.
- September 2021: Fr. Ryan is reinstated to Saint Francis de Sales following an independent investigation conducted by the Archdiocese of Chicago.
- September 2021: Additional information arises from the November 2020 allegation, and Fr. Ryan’s reinstatement is delayed.
- November 2021: Fr. Ryan is reinstated to Saint Francis de Sales.
- September 2022: Two additional survivors accuse Fr. Ryan of sexual abuse. Ryan is asked to step away while the archdiocese conducts an independent investigation.
- February 2023: Fr. Ryan is reinstated as pastor at Saint Francis de Sales following the Archdiocese of Chicago’s independent investigation.
- July 2025: Fr. Ryan is once again accused of sexually abusing another minor and is asked to refrain from active ministry.
- August 2025: A lawsuit was publicly announced identifying Fr. Ryan and accusing him of child sexual abuse.
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Why Choose Jeff Anderson & Associates
Experience in Sexual Abuse Cases: Our firm has a proven track record in handling complex and sensitive cases of sexual abuse. We have represented thousands of victims of sexual abuse in cases against individual offenders and the institutions that harbor them.
Trauma-Informed & Compassionate Advocacy: We provide personalized support tailored to your unique needs, ensuring that you receive respectful and empathetic care throughout the legal process. We don’t just handle clients, we empower survivors.
Commitment to Survivors: Our top priority is always the well-being of survivors. We strive to educate and empower survivors with choices throughout the legal process. We will work tirelessly to hold institutions like American Canyon High School accountable to prevent future abuse.
Take the First Step Towards Justice
If you were sexually abused by a teacher or employee at Maryville Academy, you don’t have to face this alone. Our trauma-informed advocates help empower survivors and hold perpetrators and guilty institutions accountable. You may be able to take legal action anonymously. You can contact us confidentially to learn about your legal options.