Fr. Joseph Weitensteiner
Accused in 2005 of abuse of two boys in the 1970s and ’80s at Morning Star Boys Ranch. Resigned as head of the Ranch in 4/06. Denied all allegations. Reportedly took a lie detector test and passed. Abuse alleged by 19 plaintiffs against Weitensteiner, Marvin Lavoy and others at the Ranch. In 11/09 Ranch transferred bulk of assets to nonprofit Morning Star Foundation. Jury decided in favor of defendant 2/11/10. Some plaintiffs received settlement from the Diocese earlier. A second trial was set for 6/10. Settlements in 5/12. Reinstated in 4/15 after each claim was denied or deemed non-credible by a retired federal judge hired by the Diocese.
- Spokesman-Review 06.26.05
- Spokesman-Review 06.28.05
- Spokesman-Review 07.02.05
- Spokesman-Review 07.08.05
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer (AP) 08.25.05
- Spokesman-Review 10.27.05
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer (AP) 04.21.06
- Inland Register 04.27.06
- National Catholic Reporter 11.10.06
- Spokesman-Review 01.04.07
- Spokesman Review 05.05.07
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer 02.15.08
- Seattle Times 07.30.08
- Spokesman Review 11.19.09
- Spokesman Review 01.03.10
- KREM 01.20.10
- Spokesman Review 01.20.10
- Spokesman Review 01.21.10
- Spokesman Review 01.26.10
- Spokesman Review 02.13.10
- Spokesman Review 03.12.10
- Spokesman Review 04.17.15
Sources:
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