EL PASO (TX)
KTSM [El Paso TX]
August 21, 2026
By Brenda Lepenski
The Baeza Law Firm and a client identified as a sexual abuse survivor are calling on anyone abused by clergy within the Catholic Diocese of El Paso to come forward before a looming headline.
In March, the Diocese filed for bankruptcy due to a wave of lawsuits claiming sexual abuse when they were minors by clergy members from 1956 to 1982.
In an interview with KTSM 9 News, Attorney Jonathan Baeza from Baeza Law Firm said the federal bankruptcy court in West Texas has set a final deadline of Sept. 11 for survivors of sexual abuse to file their claims.
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“There’s a misconception out there that the bankruptcy closed the door,” Baeza said.
Baeza accompanied one of his clients, remaining anonymous, who said they carried the weight of the sexual abuse for 50 years and was reluctant at first to come forward.
“I didn’t want to back away and file a lawsuit and go through the process of a trial, deposition, discovery, all that that goes with this type of situation because it was just too painful, too traumatic and too many people were involved,” they said. “I held it in for all these years until I received that letter and I decided, with the guidance of my wife, to move forward and file a claim.”
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The client also had some words to share for others who have been impacted by sexual abuse.
“I would like to say unequivocally that it’s not your fault first,” they said. “And then secondly that you’re not alone, and then thirdly, that help and healing is available.”
Baeza emphasized that the identities of those who come forward will be kept confidential and clarified that the Diocese encompasses West Texas and Southern New Mexico.
According to Baeza, survivors should call a lawyer who can help them navigate the bankruptcy’s claim process and said many lawyers will handle their case on a contingency fee basis, no payment required unless there is recovery for the survivor.
“Step one: Write everything down — names, dates, locations. There is no need to be perfect,” Baeza said. “Step two: Call a lawyer and share what you remember. Step three: Your lawyer should file the claim for you with bankruptcy court.”