BishopAccountability.org
	Media Alert: Two New Child Sex Abuse Lawsuits Filed against Knights of Columbus Herman, Mermelstein & Horowitz December 14, 2010 http://jessicaarbour.blogspot.com/2010/12/media-alert-two-new-child-sex-abuse.html Lawsuits allege abuse of two boys in Knights’ youth program, Columbian Squires First Time Knights Have Been Publicly Sued for Child Sexual Abuse WHAT A sidewalk news conference to announce the filing of two new child sex abuse lawsuits against the Knights of Columbus by men who claim they were sexually abused by a leader of their Columbian Squires group WHEN TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2010 at 11:00 AM WHERE Public park near Knights of Columbus’ National Headquarters, located at 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, Connecticut (at the corner of Church and George Streets). DETAILS A nationally-recognized attorney for survivors of sexual abuse, JEFFREY HERMAN, will announce the filing of two new child sex abuse lawsuits against the KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS one of the world’s largest and most-recognized organizations for Catholic men. The lawsuits allege that two boys were sexually abused by the leader of their COLUMBIAN SQUIRES group during the 1970s and 1980s. The Columbian Squires are the official youth organization of the Knights of Columbus, open to boys between the ages of 10 and 18. The lawsuits alleged that the boys were sexually abused by JULIAN RIVERA, the leader of the Columbian Squires in Brownsville, Texas. According to the lawsuits, RIVERA remained active as a leader in the Columbian Squires until recently despite a 1986 report to Knights of Columbus officials that he was sexually abusing a boy in his Squires group. One of the Plaintiffs, JOHN DOE NO. 1, alleges he was abused by Rivera while he was involved with the COLUMBIAN SQUIRES between 1978 and 1986, and that RIVERA threatened to harm JOHN and his family if he did not comply with RIVERA’s demands. During that time, JOHN alleges that RIVERA “shared” him with another COLUMBIAN SQUIRES leader who also sexually abused him. The other Plaintiff, JIM DENNANY, alleges that he was abused by RIVERA between 1973 and 1977, during his membership in the COLUMBIAN SQUIRES. This is believed to be the first time the Knights of Columbus have been publicly sued for the alleged sexual abuse of children. The Complaints have been filed in New Haven Federal Court, and are currently being processed by the Court Clerk. The case numbers for the lawsuits are: Doe v. Knights of Columbus: 10-CV-1960 Dennany v. Knights of Columbus: 10-CV-1961 CONTACT INFORMATION: Jeffrey Herman, Esq., cell (305) 409-7371; jherman@hermanlaw.com Jessica Arbour, Esq.,(305) 931-2200; jarbour@hermanlaw.com HERMAN, MERMELSTEIN & HOROWITZ, P.A. 18205 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 2218 Miami, Florida 33160 www.hermanlaw.com (305) 931-2200
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