EL PASO (TX)
King Law [Rochester NY]
March 14, 2026
By Robert King, Esq.
The El Paso Catholic Church lawsuit involves accusations of priests sexually abusing minors and the Diocese of El Paso failing to protect children. The lawsuits claim the Catholic Diocese of El Paso was aware of the abuse at the time and failed to protect young parishioners from abusive members of the clergy.
The diocese could face a new wave of cases if New Mexico opens up a three-year revival window in 2026 that would allow cases from victims whose statute of limitations have expired to file a claim. Though the diocese is based in Texas, its territory had extended into New Mexico prior to 1982.
This page will cover the current state of the lawsuits against the El Paso Catholic church, the new laws that may expose them to even more lawsuits, and how survivors of sexual abuse can go about filing a claim.
About the El Paso Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
Timeline of the Diocese of El Paso Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
What Is the Diocese of El Paso Abuse Lawsuit About?
When Did Sexual Abuse Allegations Begin in the Diocese of El Paso?
Which El Paso Catholic Priests Have Been Accused of Sexual Abuse?
What Are the Most Notable Clergy Abuse Cases Linked to the Diocese of El Paso?
Why Were Lawsuits Filed in New Mexico Against the Diocese of El Paso?
Why Did the Diocese of El Paso File for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy?
How Has the Catholic Church Responded to Abuse Allegations in El Paso?
Who Can File an El Paso Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?
What Are the Recoverable Damages in the El Paso Clergy Abuse Lawsuits?
How Can I File an El Paso Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?
What Proof Will I Need To File a Claim Against the Diocese of El Paso?
Estimated El Paso Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Settlements
Is There a Deadline to File an El Paso Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?
King Law Is Actively Investigating El Paso Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Claims
Contact an El Paso Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Timeline of the Diocese of El Paso Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
March 6, 2026: Diocese of El Paso Files for Bankruptcy Following Wave of Sex Abuse Lawsuits
The Diocese of El Paso files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, stating that financial claims against the organization exceed its ability to pay. The 12 lawsuits involve claims from nearby New Mexico, which recently eliminated the statute of limitations on criminal cases involving serious sexual crimes against children. Although the Diocese of El Paso is based in Texas, its territory previously extended across the state line into what is now the Diocese of Las Cruces.
March 4, 2026: New Mexico Governor Signs Bill Extending Criminal Statutes of Limitations on Some Sex Crimes
Governor Lujan Grisham signs Senate Bill 41 into law , eliminating the statute of limitations on the criminal prosecution of certain sex crimes. SB41 takes effect May 20, 2026. The bill removes a six-year statute of limitations on the prosecution of second-degree sexual criminal contact with minors. First-degree crimes involving sexual contact with children previously had no statute of limitations. The law does not extend the statute of limitations on civil suits.
January 6, 2026: New Mexico House Bill 151 Proposed, Extending Civil Statutes of Limitations on Childhood Sex Abuse
House Bill 151 was introduced into the New Mexico House of Representatives. HB 151 would extend the statute of limitations on childhood sexual abuse cases. Currently, survivors of childhood sex abuse have until either their 24th birthday or three years after their first disclosure of the abuse to a licensed healthcare provider. The new law would extend the statute of limitations by 34 years, until the victim’s 58th birthday. The law would also open a three-year revival window from 2026 to 2029, allowing previously time-barred claims to go forward.
July 16, 2019: Former El Paso Priest Convicted of Sexually Assaulting 12-Year-Old Girl
Miguel Luna, formerly a Catholic priest in the Diocese of El Paso, is convicted of sexually assaulting a young altar girl while she served at his church between 1991 and 1998. Three other survivors testified as witnesses. The court finds him guilty of six counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child; three counts of indecency with a child, sexual contact; and three counts of sexual assault of a child. Luna faces up to life in prison.
May 7, 2019: Pope Francis Issues Vos estis lux mundi, Establishing Sexual Abuse Reporting and Investigation Procedures Within Catholic Church
Following a wave of high-profile sexual abuse scandals involving Catholic clergy, Pope Francis issued an apostolic letter prescribing experimental. universal procedures for reporting and investigating sexual abuse claims. The document requires all Catholic dioceses to establish such systems and outlines whistleblower protections, leaving many operational decisions up to the individual diocese. The order, Vos estis lux mundi, translates to “you are the light of the world.” The order would later be made permanent in 2023.
January 31, 2019: Diocese of El Paso Publishes List of Clergy Credibly Accused of Sexual Abuse
Ranking clergy member of the Diocese of El Paso, Bishop Mark Seitz, releases the results of an internal file review of 1,000 priests and religious order members who served in the Texas portion of the diocese between 1950 and 2018 or the New Mexico portion (prior to the creation of the Diocese of Las Cruces in 1982). The list found 30 such individuals to be “credibly accused” of sexually abusing minors. According to the report, a credible allegation is one that the review board had reason to believe was true based on available information. The review is part of a wave of diocesan disclosures released between 2018 and 2019.
January 31, 2002: Boston Globe Investigation of Archdiocese of Boston Uncovers Culture of Sex Abuse, Cover-ups
A Boston Globe investigation finds that at least 70 priests serving in the Archdiocese of Boston had quietly settled sexual abuse charges over the previous 10 years. The report finds that many accused priests were not removed from their positions or reported to authorities, but rather reassigned to other churches with no warnings given to families. The report would go on to win a Pulitzer and trigger a wave of investigations involving the abuse of minors within the church. Cardinal Bernard Law, head of the Boston Archdiocese, would resign later that year.
March 25, 1993: Retired Priest Pleads Guilty to Sexually Assaulting 8 Boys
David A. Holley, who served under the Diocese of El Paso in New Mexico during the 1970s, pled guilty to sexually assaulting eight boys. The victims, including Eddie Francis and his two brothers, were between 10 and 13 at the time and had served as altar boys. Holley, of the Diocese of Worcester, had been transferred from Massachusetts after being accused of social misconduct. Holley was sentenced to 55-275 years in prison and would later be denied parole. Holley was removed from ministry in 1977.
August 17, 1982: Pope John Paul II Erects the Diocese of Las Cruces
Following population growth in southern New Mexico parishes, the Roman Catholic church created the Diocese of Las Cruces. The new diocese is formed from territory taken from the Diocese of El Paso and the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, including the counties of Dona Ana, Eddy, Grant, Hidalgo, Lea, Luna, and Otero. Many dioceses, particularly in the American West, had originally been based on transportation networks and missionary travel routes rather than state lines. This division would later lead to the Diocese of El Paso, TX, being named as a defendant in New Mexico sex abuse claims.
What Is the Diocese of El Paso Abuse Lawsuit About?
Lawsuits filed against the Diocese of El Paso are civil claims filed by survivors. These survivors allege that priests serving in the Diocese sexually abused them as minors and that church officials failed to prevent or properly respond to the abuse.
The lawsuits allege that the diocese knew about the abuse and either ignored it or actively covered it up, making them liable for the suffering and economic damages survivors endured.
The Diocese of El Paso declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2026 on the grounds that mounting claims against the organization exceed their ability to pay. Proposed changes to New Mexico law may expose the diocese to even more lawsuits in the near future. Survivors of abuse by El Paso priests may pursue compensation through civil lawsuits, settlements, or bankruptcy claims processes established by courts.
Information About the El Paso Diocese.
How Does the El Paso Diocese Case Fit Into the National Catholic Church Abuse Crisis?
The Diocese of El Paso sexual abuse scandal is part of a much larger, decades-long pattern of abuse perpetuated by Catholic Priests. To that end, the National Review Board of the Catholic bishops of the United States engaged the John Jay College of Criminal Justice to conduct an internal investigation and issue a report. The 2004 report, titled “The Nature and Scope of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Catholic Priests and Deacons in the United States 1950-2022 ,” found far-reaching abuse committed by clergy members. According to the report, between 1950 and 2002, there were 4,392 Catholic priests accused of sexual abuse of a minor in the U.S. This represented about 4% of all priests who served during that time period.
Similar to allegations in lawsuits against other dioceses, accusations made against the Diocese of El Paso include allegations of:
- Priests sexually abusing underage parishioners
- Reports of sexual abuse by clergy being dismissed or covered up
- Accused priests being transferred to other parishes rather than being reported to authorities or dismissed from the clergy
- The church prioritizing institutional reputation over the safety of children in its care
These cases have led to widespread reform efforts in church governance, including disclosures and internal investigations. More than 37 dioceses have filed for bankruptcy due to sex abuse claims. Additionally, King Law is reviewing other sexual abuse lawsuits against the Catholic Church.
Who Would Be Held Legally Liable for the Abuse?
Both individual perpetrators and organizations like the Diocese of El Paso or related Catholic schools, camps, and entities can potentially be held liable for the abuse. Survivors filing civil lawsuits would file their case against the Diocese of El Paso. State prosecutors can also choose to bring criminal charges against specific priests.
Civil lawsuits seek damages for the diocese’s role in the abuse, including alleged negligence, cover-ups, and failure to protect them from known or suspected abusers within their organization. These lawsuits exist alongside any criminal prosecutions of perpetrators.
When Did Sexual Abuse Allegations Begin in the Diocese of El Paso?
Documented sexual abuse allegations involving the Diocese of El Paso go back to the mid-20th century, with most of the cases falling between 1950 and the late 1990s. The Diocese of El Paso’s 2019 disclosure letter looked at the records of over 1,000 priests, affiliated monks, and other clergy who served in the diocese between 1950 and 2018.
It identified 30 individuals, around 3% of those examined, as “credibly accused” of sexual misconduct involving minors based on available evidence. The list includes priests who served in New Mexico prior to the creation of the Diocese of Las Cruces in 1982.
Many of the lawsuit allegations involve events that happened decades earlier. This is not unusual, as childhood sex abuse survivors often take years to disclose due to extreme psychological trauma. The average age of disclosure is around 52-years-old.
Timeline of Sexual Abuse Lawsuits at the Diocese of El Paso
Why Do Some Survivors Wait Decades to Report Abuse?
Childhood sexual trauma is complex. Many survivors find processing the events difficult. In the case of abuse committed by Catholic priests, there can be many reasons a survivor waits until well into adulthood to report their abuse.
Some of the reasons people wait to report CSA include:
- Mental effects of grooming
- Fear of retaliation from a family member, the Church, or the community
- Shame and stigma surrounding the incident
- Abuse committed by an authority figure is complex
- Realization that mental health issues in adulthood are linked to abuse as a child
Just because a survivor takes years to disclose the abuse, that does not make their accusations less credible. Some survivors choose to never reveal their abuse. It is a personal choice for each survivor.
Which El Paso Catholic Priests Have Been Accused of Sexual Abuse?
The 2019 disclosure letter included a list of 30 diocesan priests, extern priests, religious-order priests, and religious brothers who were accused of sexually abusing minors while serving within the Diocese of El Paso between 1950 and 2018.
The list was one of many published by Catholic dioceses as part of a denomination-wide effort to increase transparency in the wake of devastating reports like those produced by the 2002 Boston Globe and 2016-2018 Pennsylvania grand jury investigations. The list provides the names of the accused, their title, diocese of origin, birth year, and the year in which they were ordained, as well as their current status. The disclosure report claims the diocese could not identify any incidents taking place after 1999.
Diocese of El Paso’s List of Priests Accused of Abuse
The list of accused clergy includes 14 diocesan priests. Diocesan priests in this case are those formally assigned to the Diocese of El Paso.
List of El Paso Diocese priests accused of sexual abuse:
- Carlos Frias
- Sam Garcia
- Lawrence Gaynor
- James Hay
- Miguel Luna
- Jaime Madrid
- Jesse Muñoz
- Richard Nesom
- Jose Nieves
- Arthur O’Sullivan
- Dennis Tejada
- John Tickle
Note that an internal finding of “credibly accused” is not the same as a criminal conviction or court finding. It is a determination, made by the diocese bishop, that there is enough evidence to suggest the claim could be true.
Religious Order and Extern Priests Accused of Abuse
The disclosure letter claims the Diocese of El Paso suffered from a shortage of vocations from its creation in 1914, which led to prior bishops accepting priests from other dioceses without an ample vetting process. Credibly accused priests from other dioceses include:
- David Holley
- Miguel Marin
- Emilio Roure
- Marcelino Santiago
- Frank Sierra
Some of these priests served in multiple dioceses and were transferred after earlier abuse allegations surfaced.
What Are the Most Notable Clergy Abuse Cases Linked to the Diocese of El Paso?
Two El Paso clergy abuse cases involved major criminal prosecutions, one concluding in 1993, the other in 2019. The David Holley and Miguel Luna cases serve as examples of the damage and trauma predators in positions of trust and authority can cause, especially when accusations against them are not taken seriously. Due to statutes of limitations, underreporting, and some of the suspects being deceased, not all childhood sexual abuse cases are criminally prosecuted, but a criminal conviction can serve as evidence in a civil lawsuit.
The Miguel Luna Criminal Conviction
The most prominent prosecution involving an El Paso diocesan priest was the Miguel Luna case. Luna was convicted of aggravated sexual assault, along with related charges, of a female altar server, beginning when she was only 8-years-old. Additional women testified as witnesses during the trial, including one who said the priest had impregnated her. Luna had served in multiple parishes along the U.S.-Mexican border before the Diocese removed him from ministry in 2013. Luna was sentenced to 18 years in prison in July 2019.
David Holley and the Servants of the Paraclete Scandal
Though he had been ordained in another diocese, the case of David Holley is illustrative of the pre-reform dysfunctions in the Roman Catholic Church that allowed sexual predators to evade accountability. Holley had originally served in the Diocese of Worcester, MA, before being transferred to the Congregation of the Servants of the Paraclete treatment center in Jemez Springs, NM.
The facility had been opened to rehabilitate priests facing personal difficulties before being reintroduced to ministry. This included individuals like Holley, who had been accused of sexual misconduct. Holley would, after his discharge, be convicted of sexually abusing 8 boys in the Diocese of El Paso. He was sentenced to up to 275 years in prison. The Servants of the Paraclete would later be named in multiple lawsuits involving priests accused of sexual misconduct, leading to the consolidation of services outside of St. Louis.
Other Notable El Paso Catholic Church Abuse Cases
Though they were never criminally prosecuted, other priests have been named in El Paso Catholic church civil sexual abuse lawsuits . These include:
- Marcos Rizzo-Rico
- Pedro Martinez
- Jaime Madrid
- Alfonso Madrid
- Irving Klister
Some of the individuals, like Martinez and Klister, were already deceased when their lawsuits were filed.
Note: This list includes priests listed on BishopAccountability.org.
Where Did the Alleged Abuse Occur?
Allegations in El Paso Catholic Church lawsuits involve abuse that allegedly occurred at parish churches, catholic schools, youth programs, church camps, and other locations.
Some of the lawsuits filed against the Diocese in 2025 name the following parishes where abuse was alleged to have occurred:
- Alamogordo
- Anthony
- Doña Ana
- Las Cruces
- Mesilla Park
- Ruidoso
Additionally, the Diocese of El Paso maintains a full list of the current parishes in its jurisdiction. The Diocese includes more than 50 parishes and serves 10 counties in West Texas. Current counties served by the Diocese include El Paso County, Hudspeth County, Culberson County, Jeff Davis County, and Presidio County.
Why Were Lawsuits Filed in New Mexico Against the Diocese of El Paso?
Despite being based in the Texas city of El Paso, many of the lawsuits against the diocese have actually been filed in New Mexico, the southern portion of which largely fell under its jurisdiction until 1982. This means that the Diocese of El Paso can be held liable for cases involving events before 1982. The 2025 lawsuits involve alleged abuse at locations like:
- St. Joseph Parish in Lordsburg
- Our Lady of Health Parish in Las Cruces
- St. Jude Parish in Alamogordo
A case involving more recent events would fall under the Diocese of Las Cruces.
Additionally, New Mexico’s statute of limitations may potentially open up more cases than those of Texas, especially if the state passes a proposed 3-year revival window that would allow previously expired claims to move forward.
Why Did the Diocese of El Paso File for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy?
The Diocese of El Paso filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March 2026, stating that pending lawsuit claims against the diocese exceeded its financial resources. The lawsuits involve at least 18 victims across 12 cases. Chapter 11 bankruptcy would allow the Diocese of El Paso to:
- Consolidate abuse lawsuits into one court proceeding
- Create a settlement trust for survivors
- Manage insurance coverage and diocesan assets
- Limit exposure to lawsuits
However, the bankruptcy protections cover only those subsidiaries that fall directly under the Diocese of El Paso’s management. Affiliated but independent entities named in lawsuits are not covered.
What Does the Bankruptcy Filing Mean for Survivors?
The El Paso diocese bankruptcy filing could affect how survivors can go seek compensation. If these bankruptcy proceedings follow similar declarations by other dioceses, the Department of Justice will appoint a committee made up of survivors with claims against the diocese. The committee will be tasked with two main objectives:
- Recover as much money as possible to pay claims, typically appointing a claims reviewer who will allocate points to survivors to determine when and how much each will be paid based on guidelines drafted by the committee.
- Impose protections on the diocese to prevent future abuse.
The committee will then negotiate with the diocese in a process that will likely take years to resolve. Typically, the bankruptcy process places a deadline to file a claim against the diocese.
How Has the Catholic Church Responded to Abuse Allegations in El Paso?
The head of the Diocese of El Paso, Most Rev. Mark J. Seitz, issued a statement about the alleged abuse, lawsuits against the diocese, and the bankruptcy filing. In his statement, he spoke to survivors, saying “As your bishop, I apologize to abuse survivors for the harm, pain and suffering they experienced and continue to experience in their lives.”
The 2025 abuse allegations against the Diocese of El Paso come after two decades of reform efforts by the Roman Catholic Church that began with the 2002 Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People drafted by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The charter outlines processes for effective responses to allegations, disciplining offenders, and cooperating with authorities. The Charter committee issues annual progress reports (here is the 2024 report).
Reforms listed in the charter that are designed to prevent abuse and improve reporting include:
- Mandatory VIRTUS Protecting God’s Children training
- Criminal background checks for clergy and volunteers
- A diocesan Review Board to evaluate allegations, culminating in the Diocese of El Paso releasing a list of “credibly accused” clergy in 2018
- A Victim Assistance Coordinator to support survivors
Additional reform efforts were enacted at the global level in June 2018, following Pope Francis’s motu proprio, Vos Estis Lux Mundi, including processes for investigating bishops and forbidding retaliation against whistleblowers.
Who Can File an El Paso Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?
For many survivors, reading about these cases can be difficult. The legal process below is included to help explain available options, not to minimize the harm described above.
The current lawsuits against the El Paso Catholic Church involve around 18 victims. However, it is likely there are additional survivors who could file claims. The Diocese’s own investigation found 30 clergy members credibly accused of abuse.
Additionally, proposed changes to New Mexico law could expand eligibility to older survivors who cannot currently file.
Eligibility criteria for filing an El Paso Catholic Church sexual abuse lawsuit:
- You are the survivor of sexual abuse by a member of the Diocese of El Paso or suffered abuse on its premises.
- You suffered economic, physical, emotional, and psychological harm as a result of the abuse
King Law recognizes the difficulties survivors of sexual abuse face and the challenges that come with disclosing and discussing abuse. We encourage our clients to determine the pace and steps necessary for seeking justice for their injuries.
What Parishes Are Part of the Diocese of El Paso?
The contemporary Diocese of El Paso covers 10 counties in West Texas and over 50 parishes. The diocese borders New Mexico to the north and Mexico to the south. The diocese’s parishes are organized into vicariates:
- Westside, including St. Patrick Cathedral and St. Luke
- Central, including San Juan Bautista and Guardian Angel
- Northeast, including All Saints and Most Holy Trinity
- Mission Valley, including Corpus Christi and San Felipe de Jesus-Soccoro
- Eastside, including San Juan Diego and St. Mark
- West Texas, including Our Lady of Fatima – Van Horn and Santa Teresa de Jesus-Presidio
Before 1982, the diocese also included some of southern New Mexico in what is now the Diocese of Las Cruces.
What Are the Recoverable Damages in the El Paso Clergy Abuse Lawsuits?
Survivors of sexual abuse by El Paso clergy can pursue compensation for the damages they have suffered due to institutional negligence. Compensation may cover damages such as:
- Medical and psychological costs related to the abuse
- Relocation costs related to the abuse
- Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
- Emotional distress, pain, and suffering
In cases with particularly egregious institutional misconduct, courts may also award punitive damages in some jurisdictions. Note that, in the case of the Diocese of El Paso, compensation may ultimately come from a bankruptcy settlement trust created through Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization.
How Can I File an El Paso Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?
Filing an El Paso Catholic Church sexual abuse lawsuit can be emotionally difficult. For some survivors, filing a claim is a part of seeking accountability. An experienced attorney can help guide you through the process in a trauma-informed manner.
The basic process for filing a claim against the Diocese of El Paso includes: investigation, filing a complaint, participating in discovery, negotiating a settlement or trial or navigating bankruptcy trust claims.
The process for filing an El Paso Catholic Church sexual abuse lawsuit typically involves the following steps:
- Recording any details you remember, such as names, dates, and locations.
- Consulting with an experienced sex abuse attorney and providing the details you were able to recall. If you are satisfied that you want to go forward with the case, hire that attorney or seek other consultations.
- Allow your attorney to investigate and collect evidence, such as church records and incident reports.
- Identify defendants and file your claim within the statute of limitations.
- Proceed toward resolution through settlement, bankruptcy trust claim, or trial.
Many attorneys who handle clergy sex abuse cases work on a contingency basis. This means that, rather than charge an upfront flat fee, they collect a percentage of any payout at the end of the case. This allows survivors to pursue a claim regardless of their financial status.
Do I Have to File a Lawsuit to Receive Compensation?
Whether or not you have to file a lawsuit to receive compensation will ultimately be determined by the terms created during the El Paso diocese’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. These often end in the creation of a bankruptcy settlement trust. When an institution like a Catholic diocese files for bankruptcy, survivor claims are often handled through a court-supervised claims process.
In some cases, dioceses have also voluntarily created a Victim’s Compensation Fund (or Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program). A lawyer can help survivors navigate these systems, which have specific processes for resolving claims, and help fight for fair compensation.
Will My Case and Identity Be Confidential?
Sexual abuse survivors may have concerns regarding what elements of their case and their identity are protected. Though exact policies vary between states, the following elements of your case will be protected by default:
- Your name, address, phone, and place of employment
- Identifying details in police records
- Compensation records
- Court testimony
- Contact information
- Medical and therapy records
Some elements, however, are a matter of public record, such as the name of the accused clergy member, court rulings, and settlement totals. Note that remaining anonymous to the public eye is optional. Some survivors prefer to go public with their story.
What Proof Will I Need To File a Claim Against the Diocese of El Paso?
Supporting a claim against the Diocese of El Paso will require evidence, though survivors should be assured that they do not need to have all of the pertinent evidence in their possession when they begin the claim process. Evidence that can help support a sexual abuse lawsuit includes:
- Survivor recollection and testimony
- Police reports
- Criminal convictions involving the perpetrator
- Church records
- Church personnel files
- Internal diocese investigation reports
- Third-party or government investigation results
- Witness testimonies
- Therapy or medical records
- Pattern evidence, such as other survivors identifying the same perpetrator
- Expert testimonies
Each case is unique and may also involve circumstantial evidence particular to it, such as details that establish timing and opportunity. Note that, while they are helpful, a sexual abuse claim does not require physical evidence or eyewitnesses to be successful.
Types of Evidence to Support a Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Claim
Estimated El Paso Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Settlements
Clergy abuse claims often involve long-term, systemic patterns, which are relevant to seeking damages in a lawsuit. Settlement values for the El Paso Catholic Church sexual abuse lawsuits have yet to be determined and will ultimately be established by the bankruptcy committee. Typical bankruptcy trust criteria for diocese sexual abuse claims take into account:
- The age of the person at the time of the abuse
- The severity and duration of the abuse
- The strength of the claim’s evidence
- The amount of economic and psychological harm suffered
Other Catholic dioceses have collectively paid hundreds of millions of dollars to survivors through settlement funds and bankruptcy trusts. For example, a Penn State study of 14 diocese bankruptcy settlement trusts in 2018 found the average payout to be around $288,000. Final amounts for El Paso will depend on the amount of money secured for the fund and the number of claims upon it.
Is There a Deadline to File an El Paso Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?
Deadlines apply to the El Paso Catholic Church sexual abuse lawsuit, but they may vary substantially depending on several key factors. The first is whether the abuse happened in New Mexico or Texas. The statute of limitations for Texas is straightforward: five years for adult victims, and until the age of 48 for childhood victims.
New Mexico’s statute of limitations is a bit more complicated. Currently they are:
- Until age 24 for childhood victims OR
- 3 years from the date the survivor first discloses the abuse to a licensed medical or mental health provider
Bills in New Mexico’s legislature propose raising the statute of limitations to age 58, as well as opening up a three-year revival window, but these have not yet become law.
Finally, the bankruptcy process will likely establish its own deadline for filing a claim.
Can I Still File a Claim If My Abuse Happened Years Ago?
There is a good chance you can still file your claim even if your abuse happened years ago. Texas allows survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file up until their 48th birthday, and New Mexico’s disclosure clause can allow survivors to file many years after the incident. Consult with an experienced attorney to identify any critical deadlines for your case.
King Law Is Actively Investigating El Paso Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Claims
King Law is actively investigating abuse allegations involving clergy and personnel who served in the Diocese of El Paso in West Texas or in southern New Mexico prior to 1982. Individuals who believe they were sexually abused may contact our experienced attorneys for a free, confidential consultation to determine if they may qualify for a lawsuit or bankruptcy settlement trust claim. Our attorneys work on a contingency basis, so there is no upfront cost to pursuing your claim.
Contact an El Paso Catholic Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today
Contact King Law today at (585) 496-2648 or through this website to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an El Paso Catholic Church sexual abuse lawyer. Our experienced legal team provides trauma-informed case reviews and has resources to investigate your claim and build a case to help you pursue fair compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many clergy abuse allegations have been reported in connection with the Diocese of El Paso?
Of the slightly more than 1,000 clergy who served in the Diocese of El Paso between 1950 to 2018, around 3% were found to be credibly accused according to an internal investigation.
How many sexual abuse cases have been reported in the El Paso Catholic Church?
The exact number of reported sexual abuse cases in the El Paso Catholic Church has not been formally disclosed. There are currently around 18 cases pending, and around a dozen more that resulted in two criminal convictions.
Which priests in the Diocese of El Paso have been accused of sexual abuse?
Around 30 priests have been credibly accused of sexual abuse in the Diocese of El Paso. Not all have been prosecuted or sued.
Did the El Paso Catholic Church cover up reports of sexual abuse?
Like many other Catholic dioceses at the time, El Paso allegedly took part in the relocation of accused priests to other parishes and other reputation-preserving tactics.
Who qualifies to file an El Paso Catholic Church sexual abuse lawsuit?
Survivors of sexual abuse by clergy in El Paso’s Catholic Churches may be eligible to file a lawsuit.
Can I still file an El Paso Catholic Church sexual abuse lawsuit if the abuse happened a long time ago?
Yes, in many circumstances you can file a claim related to sexual abuse that occurred when you were a minor. It depends when, and in which state, the abuse occurred, and in some cases, when you first disclosed your abuse to a licensed medical professional. Pending New Mexico legislation may temporarily allow time-barred cases to proceed.
Is there a deadline to file an El Paso Catholic Church sexual abuse lawsuit?
Yes, deadlines apply to El Paso Catholic Church sexual abuse cases, but vary depending on jurisdiction.
What evidence is needed to file an El Paso clergy sexual abuse lawsuit?
An El Paso clergy sexual abuse claim will need to identify the parties involved, a location, and a rough timeline of events to initiate a case. Evidence will typically be developed during discovery with the help of your lawyer, who will subpoena personnel files, complaint records, and established claims.
Can I file an El Paso Catholic Church sexual abuse lawsuit if I never reported it to the police?
While a police record can be helpful, you can file an El Paso Catholic Church sexual abuse lawsuit even if you never filed a police report.
What if the priest who abused me is now deceased?
Organizations like the abusing priest’s diocese may still be liable for the abuse you suffered, even if the perpetrator is deceased.
Can survivors remain anonymous when filing an El Paso Catholic Church abuse lawsuit?
Survivors may choose whether to remain anonymous or go public when filing an El Paso Catholic Church abuse lawsuit.
How does the Diocese of El Paso’s bankruptcy affect sexual abuse lawsuits?
The Diocese of El Paso’s bankruptcy will likely affect sexual abuse lawsuits against it in several ways. These include forming a committee to prioritize and assign available compensation to survivors and enacting reforms. It will likely also establish a deadline for filing.
Can I still file a claim if the El Paso Catholic Church has filed for bankruptcy?
Yes, you can still file an El Paso Catholic Church claim despite the diocese’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
How much will the El Paso Catholic Church pay in sexual abuse settlements?
The amount the El Paso Catholic Church pays out in sexual abuse settlements may be determined by the bankruptcy committee appointed by the Department of Justice.
How much does an El Paso Catholic Church sexual abuse lawyer cost?
Most sexual abuse lawyers in cases like the El Paso Catholic Church lawsuit work on a contingency basis. Rather than collect a flat fee upfront, they advance the costs of the case and collect a percentage of any payouts, typically around 40%.
How long does an El Paso Catholic Church sexual abuse lawsuit usually take?
These cases can take significant time, especially when bankruptcy proceedings are involved. A lawyer can help explain what to expect and what deadlines may apply.
List of Sources Cited in this Article
We hold ourselves to high editorial standards. Here is a list of sources used in this article.
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Seitz, Mark J. “Statement from Most Reverend Mark J. Seitz and List of Priests Credibly Accused.” Diocese of El Paso, 2019.
“Bankruptcy and Sexual Abuse Claims.” Penn State Dickinson Law – Bankruptcy Insight, n.d.
“Church Bankruptcy Process for Abuse Survivors.” Baltimore Survivors, n.d.
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“Disclosure of Sexual Violence Later in Life.” Fairfax County Government, Apr. 2022.
“Diocese of Las Cruces.” Catholic-Hierarchy.org, n.d.
“El Paso Catholic Priest Miguel Luna Guilty of Sexual Abuse of 12-Year-Old Girl.” El Paso Times, 16 July 2019.
“House Bill 151.” New Mexico Legislature, 2026.
“Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Programs.” The Catholic Project, Catholic University of America, n.d.
“Lawsuit Accuses Priest at San Miguel Parish of Sexual Abuse.” Las Cruces Sun-News, 5 Sept. 2019.
“New Mexico House Advances Bill to Eliminate Statute of Limitations for Child Sex Crimes.” Source New Mexico, 17 Feb. 2026.
“Retired Priest Pleads Guilty to Molesting Eight Youths.” The Oklahoman, 25 Mar. 1993.
“Parishes.” Diocese of El Paso, n.d.
“Cardinal Bernard Law and the Catholic Church Abuse Scandal.” PBS NewsHour, 13 Dec. 2002.
“Pope Francis Modifies Vos Estis Lux Mundi Abuse Procedures.” Vatican News, 25 Mar. 2023.
“Report of the 40th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury.” Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General, Aug. 2018.
Robinson, Walter V. “Scores of Priests Involved in Sex Abuse Cases.” The Boston Globe, 31 Jan. 2002.
“Protecting Children and Young People.” VIRTUS Online, n.d.
“Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces.” Diocese of Las Cruces, n.d.
“Senate Bill 41.” New Mexico Legislature, 2026.
“Statutes of Limitation in Sexual Assault Cases.” FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, n.d.
“Diocese Wanted Rev. Holley Out, Letters Show.” Telegram & Gazette, 15 Feb. 2021.
“Victims’ Right to Privacy.” Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center, n.d.
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. “2023 Annual Report on the Implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.” United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2024.
Written By: Robert King, Esq.
Legal Review By: Jerry King, Esq.