Immediate Release: Abuse Case Involving Fernando Cutanda

Legion of Christ statement on past sexual abuse cases

ATLANTA (August 6) – The Legion of Christ is committed to maintaining a safe environment for young people and taking seriously any allegations of abuse. In that light, we are informing the public of two abuse cases from the 1980s that occurred at the Immaculate Conception Apostolic School, Center Harbor, New Hampshire.

Two individuals reported suffering sexual abuse naming former Legionary, Fernando Cutanda, as the perpetrator. This was reported to the local authorities. Additionally, we hired Praesidium to carry out an investigation in which the alleged victims, Mr. Cutanda and other witnesses were interviewed. After examining the report issued by Praesidium, the Legion’s safe environment Review Board recommended that the allegations be deemed credible and that assistance be provided to the alleged victims.

Fr. John Connor, LC, the Legion’s director for North America, accepted the Board’s recommendation and arrangements have been made to give the victims suitable support.

“I am deeply sorry and ashamed that anyone would suffer as they did, when they had every right to expect protection and care in one of our institutions,” said Fr. Connor. “I ask everyone to please join me in prayer to ask the Lord to continue helping them in their path of healing.”

“Contributing to the Church’s evangelizing mission is, as we all know, at the heart of the Legion’s identity as a religious congregation. The whole Church, since the abuse crisis, has been on a long journey of healing. This is particularly true for us after the scandals involving our founder. An important part of this journey is not only doing everything we can to make sure that abuse never happens again, but as well to deal with the situations from the past that demand recognition and justice.”

To protect the privacy of the victims, further information will not be released.

*Update: March 22, 2021

If anyone has further information about this case or others that involve Legionaries, they may contact: 

Abby Saunders, Pastoral Care Advocate 

Email: asaunders@arcol.org

Phone: (678) 467-9348

Nikki Hittle, MSW, Safe Environment Coordinator 

Email: nhittle@arcol.org

Phone: (770) 802-0058

Address: 30 Mansell Court, Suite 103, Roswell, GA, 30076

Visit the Legionaries of Christ Safe Environment Page for More Information