KRGV
December 15, 2010
http://www.krgv.com/news/local/story/Knights-of-Columbus-in-Brownsville-Fight-Sexual/60qCn9IAykCiAIgOxOf_lQ.cspx
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BROWNSVILLE - A national organization is defending itself against allegations of abuse by one of its former members. A lawsuit filed in Florida named the Knights of Columbus in Brownsville.
The victims have kept quiet for years until now. A federal lawsuit was filed Tuesday in New Haven, Conn., where the Knights of Columbus is based.
Two former Brownsville men said they were part of the Columbian Esquires back in the 1970s and '80s. It was a youth group at the local Knights of Columbus in Brownsville. The attorney for the victims told CHANNEL 5 NEWS the abuse went on for decades and claimed the Knights of Columbus covered it up.
"What we allege in these lawsuits is basically a pattern of child abuse being committed by the people that families trusted most within their church and within the Knights of Columbus," said attorney Jeff Herman.
This is a partial statement released by the Knights of Columbus about the allegations against the former youth leader.
"We first became aware of allegations of sexual abuse against him only one year ago, in December 2009. We acted immediately, removing him from any responsibility involving youth programs, and referring the case to Brownsville law enforcement authorities."
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