Fr. Joseph S. Heretick

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Ordained: 1947
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Great Falls-Billings MT

A female plaintiff in a civil suit filed by 10 accusers 2/12 alleged abuse by Heretick in mid-1980s when he was assigned to St. Michael’s in Absarokee, MT and she was a minor. Also named by man who claimed abuse by Heretick and a Fr. Cawley 1974-1980 beginning when man was age 8. Sent to treatment 1980s; bishop alleged to have ignored recommendation that Heretick not be placed back in ministry. Heretick died 1/16/99. In 4/18 diocese agreed to settle 86 claims of abuse from 1940s-1990s, including those against Heretick, for $20M. Diocese filed for bankruptcy in 3/17, just before jury trials were to begin. Name on diocese’s list 8/21/18.


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