Fr. Charles Hartling – Archdiocese of Newark

| May 9, 2019 | Abuser Profiles, Catholic Church

Father Charles Hartling

Archdiocese of Newark

Ordained: 1979

Retired: 2011

Died: 2012

Assigned as follows:

  • Holy Spirit (Union, NJ)
  • St. Elizabeth (Wyckoff, NJ)
  • St. Mary (Rutherford, NJ)

Summary of Allegations against Father Charles Hartling:

Father Charles Hartling’s name first appeared publicly on the Archdiocese of Newark’s list of accused priests published in February 2019.  Almost no information on the allegations against each priest listed, including age/gender of the victims, or the priest’s assignment at the time of the alleged abuse was disclosed.  However, in the case of each priest on the list, “the Archdiocese of Newark received information concerning possible misconduct by the individual, investigated the matter for corroborating evidence and determined that the report was credible. Accordingly, while those individuals may deny having engaged in illegal behavior involving a minor and they are entitled to be presumed innocent in a criminal court of law, the Archdiocese has determined that the information it received was credible and it has thus included their names on this disclosure.”

According to media reports, Father Hartling of the Archdiocese of Newark was accused of sexually abusing multiple teenagers in the 1980’s in Union County. One alleged victim stated, “Father Charles “Chuck” Hartling made unwelcome advances (inappropriate kissing and touching) in 1982 and broke a bond of friendship and trust when I was a teenager.” The Archdiocese of Newark found the charges credible, and settled with the accuser for an undisclosed sum. The Archdiocese of Newark did not remove Father Hartling, but allowed him to serve unrestricted at St. Mary’s Parish in Rutherford. In addition, on myspace.com, drama club students at Saint Mary’s High School reference Father Hartling’s continued acts of sexual abuse against teenagers. He was their Drama Club director.

In December 2011, Father Hartling retired while still in good standing with the ministry. He died in June 2012.

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Archdiocese of Newark in New Jersey.  If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused in the Archdiocese of Newark, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Archdiocese of Newark now have legal options, but filing deadlines will apply so do not delay in reaching out to us.  Our lawyers have decades of experience representing survivors of clergy sexual abuse in New Jersey and nationwide. We can help.

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