TEXAS
Midland Reporter-Telegram
By Bob Campbell
Staff Writer
Midland Reporter-Telegram
05/11/2006
Opposing attorneys in a lawsuit alleging the sexual abuse of a boy by his priest have submitted an agreed-on scheduling order to 142nd District Court Judge George Gilles that would convene the civil trial in March next year.
Gilles on Wednesday had not ruled on a mid-December defense motion for a summary judgment dismissing the allegations against the Rev. Domingo "Father Mingo" Estrada, the Catholic Diocese of San Angelo, Bishop Michael Pfeifer and Estrada's priestly order, the Oblate Fathers.
Defense lawyers Bill Clifton of Midland and Don Griffis of San Angelo and plaintiff's attorney Lori Watson of Dallas indicated optimism that a ruling on the scheduling order would be forthcoming.
"All lawyers have asked the court for a trial date next spring to ensure that all the depositions and other discovery can be completed by then," Watson said this week.