Trahant issued a statement challenging the archdiocese to direct his fine money toward survivors rather than church funds.
“This entire saga hurt my clients, my wife, my kids and my co-counsel,” said Trahant, who maintains his actions were intended to protect children.
“I maintain I did what I did to protect children.”
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Expelled committee member and Trahant client James Adams expressed deep disappointment with the high court's decision.
“The affirmed the protection of sexual predators over the safety of children,” said Adams.
He noted that the ruling sends a chilling message to anyone attempting to expose internal church misconduct.
“The courts have clearly stated [that] if you try to expose sexual abuse of minors within the Catholic church, you will be punished.”
Another client removed from the committee, Jackie Berthelot, criticized the severity of the financial penalty.
“It seems that if you speak up against predators who roam our schools, … you would be punished severely.”
Berthelot expressed dismay that a long-time advocate for victims faced such harsh legal repercussions.
“It’s a shame that somebody who spoke up against abusers and always has supported victims’ rights would be penalized in such a harsh manner as Richard has.”
Hart died at age 70 roughly nine months after leaving the high school, while Archbishop Aymond retired in February after the archdiocese agreed to a $305 million settlement with hundreds of survivors.
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A recent bankruptcy filing has delayed initial payments to those survivors from April until potentially the fall.
