Another Lawsuit against the Diocese of Stockton

By Tracey Petersen
MyMotherLode
November 7, 2012

http://www.mymotherlode.com/news/local/1853992/A-Second-Lawsuit-Against-The-Diocese-Of-Stockton.html

San Andreas, CA -- Another victim filed a lawsuit in San Joaquin County today against the Dioceses Of Stockton, Bishop Steven Blaire, Monsignor Richard Ryan and Father Michael Kelly. The victims claims Kelly sexually abused him when he was a 10 year old altar boy at St. Andrew and Mokelumne Hill Parishes in San Andreas in the early 2000's.

This is the second victim to come forward since a jury unanimously found Kelly guilty of sexually assaulting another victim earlier this year. After the verdict, Kelly went to his native Ireland and the Diocese settled the case for $3.5 million dollars.

This new lawsuit is suing for damages charging the defendants with 10 counts, including sexual battery. The Victim's Attorney, John Manly says, "The main difference between this case and the prior case is the Diocese admits they were on notice of Father Kelly's danger to children well before he ever met our client in this case. The current Bishop of Stockton, Steven Blaire, is the one who put him in ministry at San Andreas. Kelly was put there right after he got out of a pedophile treatment facility. So the Diocese and the Bishop have a lot to answer for here."

Manly says his client reported the abuse to police and it is still an active criminal investigation.