BishopAccountability.org
	2 Sue Knights of Columbus over Abuse Allegations By Edmund H. Mahony CT Now December 14, 2010 http://www.ctnow.com/news/hc-knights-of-columbus-abuse-suit-12120101214,0,3886150.story [with video] Two men are suing the Knights of Columbus, claiming they were sexually abused during 1970s and '80s by a Texas man who was a leader in the Roman Catholic fraternal organization's youth group for boys, the Columbian Squires. Both suits claim the Knight's national organization, headquartered in New Haven, knew that its youth group was a target of pedophiles but failed to act on the knowledge and concealed at least two complaints about alleged abusive behavior by the Texas youth group leader, identified as Juan Rivera. One of the men, who is suing anonymously, claims Rivera "shared" him with other youth counselors at meetings of Columbian Squires groups. The victim, who now lives in Kansas, also claims that the national Knight's organization tried to trick him into signing a waiver a year ago that would have barred him from suing for damages over the alleged abuse. The second suit, filed by Jim Dennany of Texas, claims that the Knights of Columbus ignored abuse complaints made against Rivera in 1986. Both suits seek more than $5 million in damages and were filed in U.S. District Court in New Haven this morning. Miami lawyer Jeff Herman, one of the lawyers bringing the suits, said they are believed to be the first abuse cases brought against the Knights of Columbus. A spokesman said the Knights will respond to the allegations later in the day. emahony@courant.com
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