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Port Charlotte Today
By the People, for the People
Sarasota Priest Abuse Case Continues After Father Riley's Death
Diocese of Venice faces document dispute as lawsuits against deceased priest and diocese move forward
Mar. 27, 2026 at 12:49am
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Even after the death of Father Leo Riley, a former Diocese of Venice priest accused of inappropriate contact with multiple children, the civil lawsuits against Riley and the Diocese are proceeding. The case highlights the complex legal aftermath and challenges of addressing past misconduct within the Catholic Church.
Why it matters
This case is part of a larger national conversation regarding accountability within the Catholic Church concerning allegations of sexual abuse. The ongoing litigation underscores the difficulties of addressing past misconduct and ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals, even after the death of the accused.
The details
Father Riley, who served in parishes across Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, and Naples, faced accusations dating back to the 1980s. A civil suit filed in 2020 alleged assault during the plaintiff's youth, and in 2024, Riley was arrested following accusations from four men in Iowa, though those criminal charges were later dropped due to the statute of limitations. Three additional civil cases were filed in Charlotte County in 2024 against Riley and the Diocese of Dubuque. Even after Riley's death in December 2025, the lawsuits against him and the Diocese of Venice are proceeding, raising questions about accountability.
- In 2020, a civil suit was filed against Father Riley by a plaintiff identified as John Doe, alleging assault during the plaintiff's youth.
- In April 2024, Riley was arrested following accusations from four men in Iowa, though those criminal charges were later dropped due to the statute of limitations.
- In 2024, three additional civil cases were filed in Charlotte County against Riley and the Diocese of Dubuque.
- Father Riley passed away in December 2025.
- A motion hearing in Sarasota took place this week, highlighting the complex legal aftermath following Riley's death.
The players
Father Leo Riley
A former Diocese of Venice priest accused of inappropriate contact with multiple children, who passed away in December 2025.
Diocese of Venice
The diocese that employed Father Riley from September 2002 until his death, and is now facing lawsuits related to the allegations against him.
Damian Mallard
The plaintiff's attorney, who is arguing for the full production of documents from the Diocese of Venice and the Diocese of Dubuque.
What they’re saying
“We must compel full production from both the Diocese of Venice and the Diocese of Dubuque.”
— Damian Mallard, Plaintiff's Attorney
What’s next
The next steps include a deposition scheduled for Monday and a technical response due next week. The judge has signaled a commitment to moving the case forward swiftly.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing past allegations of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, even after the death of the accused. The legal proceedings underscore the need for greater accountability and transparency in how dioceses handle such cases.
