Courageous Survivor Exposes Child Abuse by Late Priest in Florida Press Conference

Survivor Breaks Silence: Father Hoeffner's Legacy Exposed

In a brave press conference held on May 30, 2025, in Orlando, Florida, Shawn Teuber, a survivor of child sexual abuse, stepped forward to recount his painful experiences involving the late Father Robert “Bob” Hoeffner. This event marked a significant moment not just for Shawn, but for many who have been affected by similar circumstances.

Father Hoeffner had served at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Palm Bay for nearly two decades where he was respected and trusted by his community. However, the revelations emerging from the recent civil lawsuit filed by Herman Law shine a light on a darker side. The suit names the Diocese of Orlando and multiple associated entities as defendants, alleging negligence, reckless disregard, and intentional infliction of emotional distress toward Teuber, who claims he was sexually abused by Hoeffner during his time at St. Joseph Catholic School from 2012 to 2014.

In his emotional address, Teuber expressed years of suffering in silence, stating, "I've carried this pain for years, and I couldn't stay silent any longer. By sharing my story, I hope to show others they're not alone — and to make sure this doesn't happen to another person."

The lawsuit outlines a concerning pattern of abusive behavior and grooming by Hoeffner. Despite several warning signs, the lawsuit alleges that the church authorities provided him with unsupervised access to vulnerable children. The claims include incidents of abuse occurring in various locations like the church, school, and even Hoeffner's residence.

Teuber disclosed the trauma he still faces, sharing chilling sentiments: "I can't walk past a church or see anything religious without feeling sick and anxious. This has taken over my life in ways I never imagined." Jeff Herman, the founding attorney of Herman Law and a staunch advocate for survivors of sexual abuse, emphasized the importance of accountability. “The evidence and testimony we shared leave no doubt about what happened to the survivor. Institutions that were supposed to protect him instead enabled a prolific abuser,” he stated.

The press conference also highlighted systemic failures within the Diocese of Orlando and associated institutions. Allegations that church officials ignored warning signs about Hoeffner's behavior, failed to set adequate policies for child protection, and allowed him to continue in ministry despite rising concerns from students and staff were placed at the forefront.

Herman succinctly captured the essence of the survivors’ struggle when he declared, “These revelations shine a glaring light on the systemic failures that allowed a predator to operate unchecked for decades. Our fight is not only for justice for the victim, but for every survivor who has suffered in silence.”

Teuber’s bravery in coming forward not only represents his own fight for justice but serves as a beacon of hope and encouragement for other victims to surface. The call to action is clear: those who have experienced similar traumas are urged to seek support. Herman Law stands ready to assist survivors through the healing process with entirely confidential and free consultations.

With the increasing recognition of survivors’ voices, there is momentum building for real change. The case against Father Hoeffner is emblematic of a broader societal struggle against abuse and the often-shadowy world of systemic cover-ups. As this journey unfolds, it remains to be seen how these revelations will transform the trajectories of many lives impacted by similar abuses.

About Herman Law

Herman Law is a nationally recognized legal firm focused on advocating for victims of sexual abuse. With an experienced and compassionate team, they are dedicated to pursuing justice and holding accountable those institutions that have failed to protect vulnerable individuals.

For more information, please visit HermanLaw.com or contact their office at 1-561-565-6190.