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  Pair Allege Sex Abuse at Boys' Ranch

By Benjamin Shors
The Spokesman-Review
January 4, 2007

http://www.spokesmanreview.com/local/story.asp?ID=167355

Two former residents of Morning Star Boys' Ranch allege they were sexually abused at the home for boys in the 1970s, according to documents filed in Spokane County Superior Court.

Steven Kinard, 47, and Stephanie Miller, 37, are among 10 people who have active claims against the home, which is located just south of Spokane.

"They were sent to a facility where they were served up to pedophiles," said Timothy Kosnoff, a Seattle attorney who represents the plaintiffs. "They weren't believed then, and they aren't believed now. But we think the facts will speak for themselves." ...

Morning Star's longtime director, the Rev. Joseph Weitensteiner, retired from the ranch last spring. The Catholic priest has vehemently denied allegations that he sexually abused two boys at the ranch in the 1970s and '80s – as alleged in a previous court filing. Morning Star said Weitensteiner passed a polygraph test.

In the lawsuit filed on Dec. 28, Kinard alleges that the Rev. Patrick O'Donnell molested him during his time at Morning Star.
 
 

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