EL PASO (TX)
KFOX-TV, Ch. 14 [El Paso TX]
July 17, 2025
By David Ibave
The El Paso and Las Cruces catholic dioceses are facing lawsuits over the alleged sexual abuse of children.
On Thursday, two law firms said they filed eight new lawsuits against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces, the Catholic Diocese of El Paso and several borderland churches regarding priests that allegedly committed sexual abuse against kids, ages ranging from 3 to 15.
The lawsuit alleges child sexual abuse by the following priests:
- Monsignor Albert Chavez
- Father David Holley
- Father Emilio Roure
- Father Wilfrid Diamond
- Monsignor Gonzalo Morales
- Father Bernard Bissonnette
- Father Joaquin Resma
The churches listed in the lawsuit are:
- Our Lady of Health in Las Cruces
- Our Lady of Purification in Dona Ana County
- Immaculate Conception in Alamogordo
- Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mesilla Park
- St. Anthony in Anthony, New Mexico
- St. Eleanor in Ruidoso
The lawsuit is spearheaded by Davis Kelin Law Firm, LLC and Huffman Wallace & Monagle, LLC (HWM).
“We are shocked by the number of victims and the ages of the victims who continue to step out of the shadows,” said Levi Monagle. “The abuse perpetrated by these priests is repulsive. And that this went on for so long and involved so many priests is completely unjustifiable.”
The law firms set up a website for victims and their families, called NMPriestAbuse.
The site features a hotline 575-573-8503 to report abuse and lists various non-profit organizations to provide support for victims including sexual assault services, counseling and other forms of support.
“We know this is just the tip of the iceberg and that there are many more victims of the abuse,” added Zackeree Kelin, Principal at Davis Kelin Law Firm LLC. “No matter how long ago this happened, it’s not too late to make this right for the victims and their families.”
Referencing this AP news article, where Pope Leo XIV reportedly said the church should note tolerate any form of abuse and calls for accountability and transparency, Monagle said,
Real transparency also requires accountability, and reaching out for help is the first step in seeking justice for these crimes against children.
KFOX14/CBS4 reached out to the El Paso Diocese for comment.
The El Paso Diocese said that while they can’t comment on any pending litigation, they said they know of the lawsuits and are taking all allegations of abuse seriously, encouraging victims to report any instances of abuse to law enforcement.
Below is their full statement:
At current the diocese has been made aware of the aforementioned lawsuits and cannot comment on any pending litigation. The Diocese of El Paso works very diligently to cooperate with all parties involved when cases like this are brought forward. The diocese takes all matters of abuse as grave and serious situations and will work to ensure that justice is served.
The diocese has worked to implement and train clergy, employees, and volunteers on best practices of Safe Environment. All who work in any ministry as a member of the clergy, employee, or volunteer within the diocese must have undergone and passed a certification of training annually as part of the diocesan Safe Environment protocols.
We encourage individuals with any knowledge of any misconduct and or of any crime committed by any member of the clergy, employee, or volunteer within the diocese to please come forward to law enforcement. They can also reach out to our office of victims assistance and our office of safe environment by calling 915-872-8400.