Supporting Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse at Maryville Academy in Illinois
Survivors of child sexual abuse at Maryville Academy in Illinois deserve answers, accountability, and a legal team dedicated to protecting their rights.
Victims of priest sexual abuse in Illinois have rights – it’s time to take your power back
Illinois has legal pathways for survivors of institutional and clergy abuse in Illinois, making it possible to pursue justice even decades after the abuse occurred.
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. Reports indicate that abuse at Maryville Academy occurred over multiple decades, with survivors alleging a pattern of institutional concealment. Recently, a surge of survivors who alleged they were sexually abused at Maryville Academy have come forward and filed lawsuits identifying Fr. John Smyth.
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
Multiple survivors have filed lawsuits alleging child sexual abuse at Maryville Academy in Des Plaines, Illinois, naming several clergy members connected to the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Accused Priest: Fr. John Smyth:
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.
Survivors who suffered abuse under Fr. John Smyth’s leadership have pursued civil claims, and additional individuals continue to come forward seeking justice. If you have a story to tell or are seeking justice, contact us confidentially for a free consultation today.
Accused Priest: Fr. David Ryan:
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.
If you are concerned about your privacy or remaining anonymous, please visit our Question & Answers section to learn more
Why Survivors of Abuse Choose Jeff Anderson & Associates
Our firm is nationally recognized for uncovering institutional abuse and holding religious organizations accountable, including cases throughout Illinois.
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 Mayville Academy 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. Reach out to get the justice you deserve today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryville Academy Sexual Abuse Claims
Can I file a lawsuit for sexual abuse at Maryville Academy even if it happened decades ago?
Yes. Illinois law allows survivors of child sexual abuse to file civil claims at any time, no matter when the abuse occurred. We can help you understand your options and pursue justice when you are ready.
Can I remain anonymous when pursuing a claim in Illinois?
Yes. Survivors can file claims anonymously using a pseudonym, which keeps your identity private. We regularly file anonymous cases and protect your confidentiality throughout the process.
Who can be held liable for child sexual abuse at Maryville Academy?
Both the abuser and the institutions that allowed or ignored the abuse can be held responsible. This includes Maryville Academy and the organizations that oversaw its staff.
How does Jeff Anderson & Associates support survivors through the legal process?
We provide trauma-informed guidance, explain your legal options clearly, and handle the process with care and respect. Our team works to hold wrongdoers accountable while empowering you every step of the way.