Attorneys Add 18 Plaintiffs to Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

By Kristin Price
Beartooth NBC
May 1, 2012

http://www.beartoothnbc.com/news/helena/21926-18-plaintiffs-added-to-sexual-abuse-lawsuit.html

Attorneys added 18 plaintiffs were added today, to a sexual abuse lawsuit against the Diocese of Helena and the Ursuline Sisters of the Western Province, bringing the total number of plaintiffs to 78.

In March, lawyers representing both sides in the case agreed to hold mediation to resolve the lawsuit. The plaintiffs' attorney who filed the amendment today says mediation required some changes be made to the lawsuit.

The plaintiffs’ attorney, Vito de la Cruz, says, “There's an agreement with the diocese and us to file the second amended complaint to remove some of their claims that we had raised initially and also to add additional plaintiffs.”

The Diocese of Helena released a statement today, saying in part, “The diocese is working with victims' attorneys and has extended an offer for the Bishop to meet with victims individually.”

The diocese also reports a recent independent audit shows the diocese is in full compliance with all national expectations. The plaintiffs' attorney says they expect more people to be added to the case.