Federal Court Allows Ortolani Case to Move Forward

[June 30, 2026] Justice Law Collaborative is pleased to announce an important development in the Ortolani litigation. On June 26, 2026, the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts denied the defendants' motions to dismiss in their entirety, allowing the case to proceed forward in the legal process.

Defendants asked the court to end a lawsuit at the earliest stage, before evidence is exchanged, based on the argument that the complaint does not state a legally valid claim. In its decision, the Court concluded that the plaintiff had plausibly alleged claims under the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act and related Massachusetts law, and all other claims, allowing the litigation to continue through discovery and subsequent proceedings.

"This ruling is an important step because it allows our client's claims to be heard on their merits rather than being dismissed before evidence can be discovered and presented, which undoubtedly will be damning for the Community of Jesus. Our client and all survivors deserve the opportunity to seek accountability through the legal process and we're grateful the Court recognized that these claims warrant moving forward.

High-control, religious coercive communities, like the Community of Jesus, have engaged in misconduct towards minors and their membership for far too long. We look forward to continuing to advocate for our client as the case progresses and to exposing the truth." — Kimberly Dougherty, Founding Partner, Justice Law Collaborative

This ruling represents an important procedural milestone. Discovery will now allow the parties to gather evidence, take depositions, and further develop the factual record before the Court.

At Justice Law Collaborative, we believe survivors deserve the opportunity to have their claims heard. Today's ruling ensures that these allegations will receive full consideration through the judicial process.

We remain committed to representing our clients with diligence, compassion, and determination as this case moves forward.