April 22, 2006

Priest accused of abuse quits boys ranch

SPOKANE (WA)
Seattle Post-Intelligencer

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SPOKANE -- A priest has resigned as director of a Roman Catholic-run home for troubled boys that is being sued by former residents who claim he abused them during the 1970s and '80s.

The resignation of the Rev. Joseph Weitensteiner, 73, director of the Morning Star Boys' Ranch for all but 10 years of its 50-year history, was announced in a statement Thursday.

The statement said Dan Kuhlmann, managing director since Weitensteiner went on medical leave in July, will remain in that capacity.

A Morning Star spokesman said Weitensteiner, widely known as Father Joe, was not available to talk to reporters Thursday.

Posted by kshaw at April 22, 2006 06:40 AM