Montana Priests Accused of Abuse
Clergy sexual abuse is a big issue in Montana Dioceses, with more victims coming out with their sexual abuse claims in recent years. Injury Lawyer Team is dedicated to working with child sexual abuse survivors to get the justice they deserve.
Victims often hesitate to report their cases due to the stress and trauma after the alleged priest sexual abuse occurred and the lengthy legal process. We are committed to making the process easier for abuse victims so that the perpetrators are held accountable.
Montana Catholic Diocese Priest Sex Abuse List
| Last Name | First Name | Diocese | Status | Accusations (Summary) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ascher | Berthold | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | Capuchin Brother. Named publicly as accused by the Great Falls-Billings diocese on its list 8/21/18. Died in 5/67. Included on the St. Joseph Province Capuchins’ list of those with substantiated allegations against them. |
| | Rene | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Great Falls-Billings diocese on its list 8/21/18. |
| Brown | Anthony M. | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | Monsignor. Priest of the Diocese of Helena. Named publicly as accused by the Great Falls-Billings diocese on its list 8/21/18. Worked in Great Falls at some point. |
| Burke | Martin | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 8/21/18. |
| Brown | John Joseph | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | The Society of Jesus, Oregon Province, Reorganization Plan, posted on its website the names of all members who were identified as perpetrators of sexual abuse in proofs of claims filed in the bankruptcy, and who have not denied the allegation. |
| Cawley | William M. | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Sued | Harrisburg PA priest accused of sex abuse of a child in the early 1970s, but the allegation was not credible, per an independent investigation. |
| Custer | Arnold L. | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Great Falls-Billings diocese on its list 8/21/2018. Included on the Jesuits West list 12/7/2018. Died 3/2/1969. |
| O’Reilly | Father | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Sued | One male plaintiff in a civil suit filed by 10 accusers in 2/12 alleged abuse as a minor by O’Reilly when he was attending St. Xavier’s Mission and Bellarmine Prep School. |
| Druggan | Dennis | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | Druggan was removed as president and rector of St. Lawrence Seminary High School after allegations that he had sexually assaulted a minor at St. Labre Indian School in Ashland, MT in mid- to late-1980s. He denied the allegations. |
| Gleason | James | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | Capuchin Brother. “Jim.” Named publicly as accused by the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings on its list 8/21/18. Per a 6/82 news article, Gleason was granted a sabbatical for studies. |
| Haligowski | John | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 8/21/18. |
| Heretick | Joseph S. | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Settled | A female plaintiff and a man claimed abuse by Heretick in the mid-1980s. The diocese agreed to settle 86 claims of abuse from 1940s-1990s, including against Heretick, for $20M. |
| Gorman | Charles | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | Accused by the diocese of sexual abuse, and was named publicly on its list 8/21/18. |
| Hettinger | Sigfrieda | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | School Sister of St. Francis (SSSF) of St. Joseph Convent, died in 2016 at age 87. |
| Hogan | William A. | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 8/21/18. |
| Janson | Leo F. | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 8/21/18. (Name misspelled Jansen). Died in 2006. |
| Hoffmann | Emmett | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Sued | Hoffman was named as abuser in a civil suit filed against the diocese and order by a member of the Cheyenne tribe. He was assigned to St. Labre Mission School in Ashland in 1954 and left the order in 1993. |
| Kendrigan | John Patrick | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | Named publicly as accused on the diocese’s list 8/21/18. Worked in Glendive, Jordan, Poplar and Great Falls. Died 12/10/67 at age 50. |
| Livix | Harvey D. | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | Accused of sexual misconduct by the diocese, left priesthood, and settled in Arizona. |
| Krauth | Lothar Konrad | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Convicted | German priest, who was assigned to Our Lady of Lourdes in Great Falls, was found to have a large amount of child pornography on his computer. He was sentenced to five years in prison. |
| | Kramer | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | First named publicly as accused by the Great Falls-Billings diocese on its list 8/21/18, Sister Catherine was a School Sister of St Francis of St Joseph Convent and a principal of St Paul’s Mission School on the Fort Belknap Reservation. |
| Kohlman | Leonard A. | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | The Society of Jesus, Oregon Province, reorganized in 2011 and posted on its website the names of all members who were identified as perpetrators of sexual abuse. Kohlman’s name is included on this list. |
| Malee | Kevin J. | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Charged | Malee was charged with two counts of deviant sexual conduct in 1987 and accused of assaulting a 15-year-old for two years. The dioceses have secret archives files that were never disclosed. |
| Morgan | Kirk C. | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 8/21/18. |
| McTague | Thomas | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | Listed publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 8/21/18. Died 4/27/08. |
| Moreau | Clarence | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Sued | Clarence Talks Different grew up on Fort Belknap Reservation and changed name to Clarence Moreau when he became Jesuit brother working on the reservation. He was accused of sexually abusing 4 children at St. Paul in Hays 1959-71. |
| Mikulich | Joseph | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | A woman reported in 1985 that Mikulich sexually abused her when she was 12-21 in the 1970s. The archdiocese refused to assist the woman and did not tell Mikulich (then age 87) of the allegations. |
| Neville | Emmett | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Great Falls-Billings diocese on its list 8/21/18. |
| Papes | Joseph T. | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | Papes was named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 8/21/18. He died 10/26/06 in Michigan. |
| Reilly | James J. | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Great Falls-Billings diocese on its list 8/21/18. On the Fargo diocese’s list 1/2/20. Allegations substantiated. Died in 1990. |
| Pulvermacher | Carl | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings on its list 8/21/18.Died 5/29/06. |
| Reynolds | James | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Sued | One female plaintiff in a civil suit filed by 10 accusers in 2/12 alleged abuse by Robinson when she was a minor and he was assigned to Wolf Point, MT. On diocese’s list 8/21/18. |
| | Sabel | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | Sister of St. Francis of Oldenburg, IN. Died 7/20/80. Named publicly as accused by the Great Falls-Billings diocese on its list 8/21/18. |
| Ryan | John I. | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Sued | In 2017, a lawsuit was filed against the diocese for sexually abusing minors at St. Paul Mission. |
| Robinson | Edmund J. | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Sued | Robinson was accused of abuse of at least one girl in 1963 at St. Ignatius Mission in the Helena diocese, and of raping at least 9 children on Indian reservations in the 1950s and 1960s. He died in 2014. |
| Savage | Patrick F. | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings on its list 8/21/2018. Included on the Jesuits West list 12/7/2018. Died 9/15/1965. |
| | Benno | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | School Sister of St. Francis (SSSF) of St. Joseph Convent. Named publicly as accused by the Great Falls-Billings diocese on its list 8/21/18. |
| Simoneau | Frederick | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Sued | Five plaintiffs filed a lawsuit against the diocese in 2017 alleging that he repeatedly abused them as children at St. Paul Mission in Hays. |
| | Charissma | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | School Sister of St. Francis (SSSF) of St. Joseph Convent. Named publicly as accused by the Great Falls-Billings diocese on its list 8/21/18. |
| | Christine | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | School Sister of St. Francis (SSSF) of St. Joseph Convent. Named publicly as accused by the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings on its list 8/21/18. |
| | Mary | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | School Sister of St. Francis (SSSF) of St. Joseph Convent. Named publicly as accused by the Great Falls-Billings diocese on its list 8/21/18. |
| | Regina | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | School Sister of St. Francis (SSSF) of St. Joseph Convent. Named publicly as accused by the Great Falls-Billings diocese on its list 8/21/18. |
| | Vonnie | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | School Sister of St. Francis (SSSF) of St. Joseph Convent. Named publicly as accused by the Great Falls-Billings diocese on its list 8/21/18. |
| Szudera | Theodore F. | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Sued | A civil suit was filed by 10 accusers against Szudera, who was a priest in Livingston. |
| Zarek | Andrew J. | Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT | Accused | Monsignor. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 8/21/18. Retired 1982. Died 12/30/88. |
| Balfe | Joseph A. | Diocese of Helena MT | Sued | Balfe was accused of abuse of students at St. Ignatius Mission Boarding School on Flathead Indian Reservation in late 1950s-early 1960s. He was named in five complaints in a 2011 civil suit. |
| Barry | James | Diocese of Helena MT | Sued | Barry was a “credibly accused” sexual abuser, and was listed on the Helena diocese’s website in compliance with the bankruptcy settlement. |
| Butori | Harry | Diocese of Helena MT | Settled | Accused of sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese’s list, posted to its website 4/29/15 in compliance with the non monetary terms of the 3/5/15 bankruptcy settlement. Died 4/14/05. |
| Bullman | Rudolph | Diocese of Helena MT | Charged | Bullman, a retired millworker, was arrested and placed on leave without privileges in 12/11 after an investigation found images of nude, underage boys on his computer and game console. He pleaded not guilty and was given three years deferred adjudication. |
| Christofferson | Kevin L. | Diocese of Helena MT | Unsubstantiated | Christofferson was ordained for the Diocese of Great Falls and worked in Butte parishes until 2022, when he was placed on leave. |
| Delane | John | Diocese of Helena MT | Settled | Accused of sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese’s list, posted to its website 4/29/15 in compliance with the non monetary terms of the 3/5/15 bankruptcy settlement. Died 1/30/71. |
| Delaney | Harry | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Named publicly by the diocese as accused on its lit 4/29/15. Assigned to parishes in Anaconda, Butte, Eurkea Kalispell, and to a hospital in Deer Lodge. Died 3/11/1957. |
| Dimier | Augustine M. | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Born in 1864, died in 1950, accused of sexually abusing at least one minor, listed on the Helena diocese’s website 4/29/2015. |
| Dumbeck | Ignatius J. | Diocese of Helena MT | Sued | 45 people are suing the Ursuline Order and Helena Diocese for abuse by “Father Dimmick”. |
| Sullivan | Father | Diocese of Helena MT | Sued | In 9/11 civil suit against Ursuline Order and Helena Diocese, 45 people allege abuse by “Fr. Sullivan”. |
| Finnegan | Joseph | Diocese of Helena MT | Acquitted | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 4/29/15. It notes that there were “criminal accusations” that resulted in acquittal. Retired 7/1/2002. |
| Geis | Louis J. | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Accused of the sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese’s list posted to its website 4/29/15 in compliance with the non- monetary terms of the 3/5/15 bankruptcy settlement. Died 7/8/94. |
| Ferguson | George | Diocese of Helena MT | Sued | Fr. Fergie was named as an abuser in an amended civil suit filed against the Helena Diocese and Ursuline Order of Nuns by multiple plaintiffs. He died in 1986 and was presumed murdered. |
| Gillen | A. M. D. | Diocese of Helena MT | Settled | Ordained in Canada, Accused of sexual abuse of at least one minor, Died 7/30/87. |
| Gallant | Rene | Diocese of Helena MT | Settled | Br. Charlie Gallant was accused of abuse of at least 28 individuals and was named among the ten most prolific abusers in the Jesuits’ $166M settlement in 2011 with over 500 plaintiffs. |
| Harrington | Daniel B. | Diocese of Helena MT | Settled | Accused of sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese’s list posted to its website 4/29/15 in compliance with the non-monetary terms of the 3/5/15 bankruptcy settlement. Died 11/23/97. |
| Hartman | Robert J. | Diocese of Helena MT | Settled | Accused of sexually abusing at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese’s list posted to its website 4/29/15 in compliance with the non- monetary terms of the 3/5/15 bankruptcy settlement. Died 8/12/96. |
| Harris | Bernard A. | Diocese of Helena MT | Settled | Father Harry Harris, a Jesuit, was accused of raping 4 of 8 siblings in OR, and was named as an abuser of at least one child at St. Ignatius Mission in MT in a 9/2011 civil suit. |
| Hillen | Daniel B. | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Accused of sexually abusing at least one minor, included on the Helena diocese’s list posted to its webs ite 4/29/15, died 7/19/03. |
| | Karges | Diocese of Helena MT | Settled | Mother Loyola, supervisor of the boys’ dorm at St. Ignatius Mission Boarding School, was accused of abusing at least 24 of the over 500 claimants included in massive $166M settlement with Jesuits in 2011. |
| Kerrigan | John P. | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Accused of sexually abusing at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese’s list posted to its website 4/29/15 in compliance with the non- monetary terms of the 3/5/15 bankruptcy settlement. Died 7/21/84. |
| Kirchen | Paul | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Accused of sexual abuse of at least one minor, included on the Helena diocese’s list posted to its website 4/29/15, died 4/19/89. |
| Lowney | Emmett F. | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Accused of sexual abuse of at least one minor. Listed on the Helena diocese’s website 4/29/15, died 7/31/75. |
| McCarthy | Bernard J. | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Accused of sexual abuse of at least one minor. Listed on the Helena diocese’s website 4/29/15, died 9/16/03, and was included on the bankruptcy settlement list. |
| Mallman | Egon | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Mallman was included on the Society of Jesus, Oregon Province, website list of perpetrators of sexual abuse, without any additional information on claims against him, as part of a non-monetary commitment of the bankruptcy settlement. |
| McCormick | James W. | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Accused of sexual abuse of at least one minor, included on the Helena diocese’s list posted to its website 4/29/15. |
| | Bernadette | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/15. Assigned to St. Ignatius Mission at some point between 1940 and 1975. |
| | Catherine | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Member of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/15. Worked at some point at Good Shepherd Home. |
| Marie | Clement | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/15. Assigned at some point to St. Ignatius Mission 1940-1975. |
| | Grace | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/15. Assigned at some point to St. Ignatius Mission between 1940 and 1975. |
| | Marianne | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 4/29/15. Worked some time between 1940 and 1975 at St. Ignatius Mission. |
| | Henrietta | Diocese of Helena MT | Sued | One woman alleged abuse by Mother Henrietta, Mother Camellia and Sister John at St. Ignatius Mission on Flathead Indian Reservation. |
| | Camilla | Diocese of Helena MT | Sued | One woman alleged abuse by Mother Camellia, Mother Henrietta, and Sister John at St. Ignatius Mission on Flathead Indian Reservation. |
| O’Donnell | Robert J. | Diocese of Helena MT | Sued | Accused of multiple instances of unpermitted, harmful and offensive sexual conduct with a teenage boy, Msgr. Spain was placed on leave in 1985, moved to Hawaii, and became pastor of Holy Trinity in Honolulu in 1989. |
| Obersinner | Joseph L. | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Accused of sexual abuse of at least one minor. Retired to Spokane’s Jesuit community at Gonzaga University, died in Los Gatos, CA. |
| Okom | Dusan Anthony | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Accused of sexually abusing at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese’s list, posted to its website 4/29/15 in compliance with the non- monetary terms of the 3/5/15 bankruptcy settlement. Died 1/10/10. |
| Philipsen | Martin H. | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Philpsen was accused of sexual abuse of at least one minor. He was assigned to St. William’s in Shelby MT 1971-78 and worked at Southeast Catholic High School in the Green Bay archdiocese 1939-43 and Central Catholic 1943-48. |
| Reuter | Laurence | Diocese of Helena MT | Sued | One of several individuals with credible allegations of abuse named in one of two lawsuits filed in 2011 against the two Montana dioceses. She is accused of abuse at St. Ignatius Mission. |
| | Seymor | Diocese of Helena MT | Sued | Three allegations of abuse by Mother Cecelia at St. Ignatius Mission on the Flathead Indian Reservation are included in a 9/11 civil suit. |
| Pritzl | Peter P. | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Accused of sexual abuse of at least one minor. Died 10/03/93. |
| | Catherine | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/15. Assigned at some point to St. Ignatius Mission between 1940 and 1975. |
| | Daniels | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/15. Assigned at some point to St. Ignatius Mission 1940-75. |
| | Finbarr | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/19. Assigned at some point to St. Ignatius Mission 1940-75. |
| | Frances | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/15. Assigned at some point to St. Ignatius mission between 1940 and 1975. |
| | Joan | Diocese of Helena MT | Sued | Allegations of abuse by Sister Joan at St. Ignatius Mission on Flathead Indian Reservation are included in 9/11 civil suit against Helena Diocese and Ursuline Order filed by 45 people against 4 nuns, 6 priests and 1 brother. |
| | John | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Accused of abuse of two children in 9/11 civil suit against Ursuline Order and Helena Diocese. |
| | Glenniatoss | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/15. Worked at some point in the diocese. Religious order uncertain. |
| | Margaret | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 4/29/2015. Worked at St. Ignatius Mission some time 1940-1975. |
| | Martin | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 4/29/15. Worked at St. Ignatius Mission some time 1940-75. |
| | Marion | Diocese of Helena MT | Sued | A civil suit was filed against the Ursuline Order and the Helena Diocese on 9/11/2015. |
| Rose | Mary Agnes | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Member of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (B.V.M.). Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/15. Worked at some pint at Immaculate Conception School in Butte. |
| | Mackey | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 4/29/15. Worked at St. Ignatius Mission some time 1940-75. |
| Victor | Mary | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Member of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth (S.C.L.). Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/15. W orked at some point at St. Helena School in Helena. |
| | Monica | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 4/29/15. Worked at St. Ignatius Mission some time 1940-75. |
| | Monica | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/15. Worked at some point at St. Margaret School in Cut Bank. |
| | Richildus | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the Helena diocese on its list 4/29/15. Worked at some point at St. Margaret School in Cut Bank. |
| | Rita | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 4/29/15. Worked at St. Ignatius Mission some time 1940-75. |
| | Teresa | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 4/29/15. Worked at St. Ignatius Mission some time 1940-75. |
| Spraycar | Leonard J. | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Accused of sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese’s list, posted to its website 4/29/15 in compliance with the non- monetary terms of the 3/5/15 bankruptcy settlement. Died 3/31/84. |
| Stimatz | Patrick N. | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Accused of sexual abuse of at least one minor. Included on the Helena diocese’s list, posted to its website 4/29/15 in compliance with the non- monetary terms of the 3/5/15 bankruptcy settlement. Died 5/4/86. |
| Smart | Wilson F. | Diocese of Helena MT | Settled | Smart was known to the diocese by 1959 and admitted molesting more than 30 boys. He was named in at least three other suits which later settled, and was included on the diocese’s list posted to its website 4/29/15. |
| Sorisio | John | Diocese of Helena MT | Sued | One woman alleged abuse as a child by Br. “Seoriso” on multiple occasions at St. Ignatius Mission on Flathead Indian Reservation. |
| Taelman | Louis J. | Diocese of Helena MT | Accused | Accused of sexual abuse of at least one minor. Died 12/24/1961. |
About Clergy Abuse
Clergy sexual abuse, particularly childhood sexual abuse, involves a religious figure exploiting their authority and the trust people place in them to sexually assault vulnerable individuals. Victims of child sexual abuse often suffer long-lasting trauma and psychological scars, with some never fully recovering.
If a clergy member witnesses or has good reason to suspect clergy sexual abuse or any form of sexual violence occurring in their Catholic church, it is important to report it immediately to law enforcement agencies as required by state law. Those who fail to report child sexual abuse at their Roman Catholic diocese risk penalties.
In Montana, the legal process for clergy abuse cases begins with filing a complaint, which leads to a criminal investigation and potential charges. Victims of child sexual abuse or priest sexual abuse can also pursue a civil lawsuit for damages, which involves evidence gathering, depositions, and potentially a trial.
Legal Support for Abuse Victims in Montana
We are a reputable firm fully committed to helping victims of clergy abuse get the legal aid they need. Our clergy sexual abuse law firm understands these cases’ impact on child sexual abuse survivors, and we maintain the highest standards of care and professionalism when dealing with them.
Victims are offered a free, confidential consultation and unending support in all matters related to filing lawsuits and court proceedings, including how to present alleged perpetrators.
What Laws Govern Priest Abuse Lawsuits in Montana?
Montana has specific laws and regulations about clergy sexual abuse cases. These laws are designed to provide guidelines detailing how long child sexual abuse victims have to file a civil lawsuit. Other laws detail who is required to report suspected abuse or neglect, including child sexual abuse.
Statute of Limitations for Childhood Sexual Abuse Claims
Under Montana’s new law, passed in 2019, victims of childhood sexual abuse have nine years from when they turn 18 or three years from discovering the impact of the abuse to file a lawsuit, whichever is later. The same time limits apply to institutions responsible for the victim’s child sexual abuse.
Mandatory Reporting Laws and the Catholic Church
In Montana, there are mandatory reporting laws. Officials, including clergy, are required to report child abuse to state authorities if they have reasonable cause to suspect it. Other mandated reporters, such as teachers and healthcare providers, are also required by law to report suspected child sexual abuse.
However, the Roman Catholic diocese doesn’t always have to report child sexual abuse, even if they know it happened. The law exempts clergy from reporting if the alleged abuse is disclosed during a confession, which is protected by the clergy-penitent privilege.
Members of the Roman Catholic diocese cannot tell anyone about things said during confession, even if a clergy member admits to childhood sexual abuse against someone still in the church.
Age of Consent
In Montana, the legal age of consent is 16. Sexual activity with a person under 16 is treated under Montana’s “sexual crimes” statutes, which include sexual assault (MCA 45-5-502) and sexual intercourse without consent (MCA 45-5-503).
Under these laws, a “victim” under 16 is considered necessarily incapable of consent (among other incapacity definitions), and there is an enhanced penalty when the offender is 4 or more years older than a minor under 16.
Montana law defines “consent” as “words or overt actions indicating a freely given agreement” and clarifies that a previous relationship or how someone dresses does not by itself demonstrate consent.
Montana law also states that everything must be considered when deciding if the person could consent, and several situations mean that a person cannot legally consent. These include situations in which a person is in a supervisory or authoritative position or is an employee at a community-based service or program.
These provisions include most clergy members, meaning that anyone underage cannot legally consent to sexual activity, making almost all cases childhood sexual abuse.
Filing a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Against Accused Priests in Montana
Filing for a childhood sexual abuse lawsuit involves various steps, which can often overwhelm the victim. Injury Lawyer Team can help you through this process by providing the following services:
- Initial Consultation: We’ll discuss your case, understand your needs, and explain your legal options regarding your case, including cases regarding childhood sexual abuse or the Roman Catholic diocese.
- Evidence Collection: Our team will gather crucial evidence and documentation for your case, including medical records, witness statements, and other relevant materials. We may use files from the Roman Catholic diocese to see if other clergy members were victims of childhood sexual abuse, consider whether other accused priests worked at the church, or interview clergy members.
- Filing the Lawsuit: A formal complaint outlining the allegations and damages is filed in court. We’ll handle the official filing and all associated legal paperwork.
- Serving the Defendants: The complaint is served to the defendants, who must respond within a set period.
- Pre-Trial Proceedings: We’ll manage discovery, conduct depositions, and handle pre-trial motions efficiently. Often, depositions involve the Catholic priests accused of clergy abuse and their witnesses. They may include church officials or other victims of sexual assault if it’s a civil lawsuit involving more than one victim.
- Settlement Negotiations: We’ll work to negotiate a fair and just settlement for you outside of court.
- Trial: If a settlement isn’t reached outside of court, we will represent the victim during the trial.
- Post-Trial Support: We’ll provide ongoing support and assistance, such as post-trial motions or appeals, even after the trial ends.
If you or someone you know is a survivor of clergy sexual abuse, contact Injury Lawyer Team today for a confidential consultation to begin your journey toward justice and healing.
Support Resources for Abuse Survivors in Montana
Clergy abuse survivors don’t have to suffer in silence. There are many legal and emotional support services in Montana to help them out:
- Beaverhead Community Support Center Hotline: 1-800-253-9811
- Big Horn YWCA Billings Hotline: 406-679-5145
- Blaine YWCA of Great Falls Hotline: 406-453-1018
- Broadwater The Friendship Center Hotline: 406-442-6800
- Carbon YWCA Billings Hotline: 406-245-4472
- Carbon Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS) Hotline: 406-425-2222
- Carter Custer Network Against Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault (CNADA) Hotline: 1-888-799-0542
- Cascade YWCA of Great Falls Hotline: 406-453-1018
- Cascade Voices of Hope Office: 1-406-268-1330
- Sexual Violence Prevention and Victim Services Program (SVPVS): Offers resources, support, and education to prevent sexual violence and assist survivors in their recovery. You can contact them at 406-444-3628.
- Montana Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence (MCADSV): A network of individuals and organizations collaborating to end domestic and sexual violence across Montana.
Notable Cases and Outcomes Against Abusive Priests Accused of Sexual Abuse in Montana
Our attorneys have reviewed public and private settlement data related to Montana clergy abuse settlements. Depending on the circumstances of your case, these cases may be fairly valued in the $400,000 to $950,000 range. In cases of extreme conduct or if that case were to go before a jury, damages could exceed $1 million.
Many religious figures in Montana have been named in sexual assault or clergy abuse cases from places like Francis Xavier Parish, St James Community Hospital, Butte Catholic Community North Parish, Mary Mission Parish, Immaculate Conception Parish, Ignatius Mission Parish, St Paul’s Mission School, York Catholic High School, and Lawrence Parish. The most notable cases were:
The Diocese of Helena Settlement
The Helena Diocese filed for bankruptcy in 2014 to address the cases of its catholic priests accused of sexual abuse. The bankruptcy court proceedings approved the settlement plan, which included over $21 million in compensation for approximately 360 clergy abuse victims, providing support while allowing the Roman Catholic Diocese to continue its operations.
Church officials also agreed to non-monetary terms as part of the settlement and have a contact line for reporting such cases.
Accused Clergy Members at The Diocese of Great Falls
The Great Falls-Billings Diocese filed for bankruptcy in 2017 due to numerous clergy members being accused of sexual abuse. This move was shrouded in controversy, and they had a lawsuit filed against them alleging that they had moved their assets to a non-profit organization.
The diocese used the bankruptcy proceedings on a settlement plan of $20 million for 86 victims and agreed to non-monetary terms. They also have a direct reporting system.
Why Choose Injury Lawyer Team
If you or someone you know has been a victim of clergy sexual abuse in Montana, the right law firm’s support can make all the difference. Choosing Injury Lawyer Team means choosing a team that will stand by you against sexual violence, fight for you, and help you find the path to healing and justice.
- Comprehensive Services: We handle all aspects of your case with professionalism and care.
- Experienced Team: Our attorneys have vast experience with clergy sexual abuse cases.
- Proven Results: We have secured significant settlements and verdicts for our clients.
- Commitment to Justice: We fight to hold abusers and protecting institutions accountable.
If you’re a clergy abuse survivor in Montana, you can reach out to us for a confidential consultation and filing a sexual abuse lawsuit.
All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.