Father Justin Capato
Diocese of Paterson
Ordained: 1980
Removed: Unknown
Assigned as follows:
- 1981-1985: St. Mary’s Abbey (Morristown, NJ)
- 1986: Unknown
- 1987-1988: St. Mary’s Abbey, (Clifton, NJ)
- 1989: St. Thomas More (Chapel Hill, NC)
- 1990-1993: Unknown
- 1994-2018: St. Mary’s Abbey (Morristown, NJ)
- 1996: St. Mary’s Abbey Retreat Center (Morristown, NJ)
- 2000-2011: Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel (Cedar Knolls, NJ)
Summary of Abuse Allegations against Father Justin Capato:
According to media reports, in March 2012, Fr. Justin Capato, a Benedictine priest, was named in a civil suit filed by two brothers who grew up on the campus of the Delbarton School where their father was a teacher for 43 years. The lawsuit alleged Capato “sexually assaulted, sexually abused and/or had sexual contact” with the brothers numerous times from 1977 to 1979. One of the men also alleged abuse in 1980 by Fr. Luke Travers, who served as Delbarton headmaster from 1999 to 2007.
The father of the brothers told the school about the abuse in 2004. It was also reported to St. Mary’s Abbey, which runs the school, in 2010. Capato was working as parochial vicar at Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel Church in Cedar Knolls, New Jersey when the suit was announced. St. Mary’s Abbey reported that he was placed under strict restrictions, and could have no contact with students.
The brothers’ complaints were separated into two lawsuits, and in June 2018, settlements were reached for each.
According to media reports, Capato was named in a 2020 lawsuit filed under the NJ Child Sexual Abuse Act.
Capato is believed to be residing in the Morris Plains, New Jersey area.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Paterson. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in Paterson, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Paterson now have legal options to recover damages due to a compensation fund created for victims. Call us at 888-283-9922 or send an email to [email protected] to discuss your options today.