Diocese Facing Lawsuit in Sexual Assault Case

Fox 2
June 7, 2014

http://www.foxrio2.com/brownsville-diocese-facing-civil-lawsuit-for-negligence-in-sexual-assault-case/

[with video]

This civil lawsuit follows a similar criminal indictment for charges of continuous sexual abuse of a child that Ronaldo Mitchell Chavez is facing.

A statement released by the Salinas-Flores law firm accuses the diocese of Brownsville of negligence in the case of sexual assault of a minor.

The civil suit points to the alleged abuser Ronaldo Mitchell Chavez who was a deacon at the San Cristobal Magallanes parish in mission during the alleged assault.

The victim referred to as ‘John Doe 1? to protect his identity, claimed to have suffered a continued sexual assault when the teenager was between 14 and 16 years-old from 2010 to 2012. Two years later the plaintiff decided to file a criminal complaint in December which led to the consequent arrest of Chavez by mission police in January.

The prosecution attorneys believe other victims are still out there, they realize fear is a factor, especially if it seems to go against their own faith.

The diocese is accused of failing to monitor and supervise Chavez as well as failing to implement policies and procedures to prevent child sex abuse. For which the diocese responded: “…we continue to do everything possible to ensure a safe environment, and that the diocese of Brownsville is in full compliance with the charter for the protection of children and young people…to date, since 2002, more than 14,000 people have participated in this training. It has raised awareness in our entire community about the vigilance that is required of all responsible adults for the protection of our children… Chavez’ faculties to minister as a deacon in the diocese were removed in October 2012 when an allegation was reported to the parish priest and brought to the attention of the diocese. The allegation was then reported to law enforcement. Due diligence was followed by the diocese at every step of the process. ”

The diocese says it encourages victims and witnesses to come forward to denounce such behaviours.