BELLEVILLE (IL)
News-Democrat

Three lawsuits pending against the Catholic Diocese of Belleville that alleged sexual abuse of a minor by a priest have been settled, Belleville attorney Mike Weilmuenster said today.

Weilmuenster said the agreement to settle contained a clause stating that the exact amount of damages cannot be disclosed. However, he said, “It is a substantial sum.”

At least two of the lawsuits involved allegations against the Rev. Raymond Kownacki, a priest of the diocese who was removed from ministry more than 15 years ago after he after allegations of sexual abuse were made against him to a diocesan review board.