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	Woman Files Suit against Priest By James Osborne The Monitor March 4, 2006 http://www.themonitor.com/SiteProcessor.cfm?Template=/GlobalTemplates/Details.cfm&StoryID= 11878&Section=Valley SAN JUAN — A woman has named the Catholic Diocese of Brownsville in a lawsuit, in which she essentially accuses a priest of sexual harassment and stalking her. Amy Garcia, who had been working at the San Juan Pastoral Center, says in her lawsuit that her supervisor, the Rev. Edouard Atangana, touched her inappropriately, conducted surveillance on her home, called her after hours and interfered in her "personal and social life." Garcia originally brought her allegations to the diocese Jan. 13. The diocese conducted an internal investigation but could not substantiate Garcia's claims, according to a statement the diocese issued Thursday. Garcia has since been transferred to another office, diocese spokeswoman Brenda Nettles-Riojas said. Meanwhile, Atangana continues his duties at the pastoral center and the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan National Shrine, where he assists the rector during ceremonies. Atangana issued a statement Thursday, calling the allegations false and hinting that the lawsuit was a result of office politics. "I am stunned and saddened that the changes occurring in our department resulted in these allegations, which are clearly false," the statement read. "Unfortunately I am limited by what I can say because of the lawsuit which was filed." Garcia named both Atangana and the diocese in the suit, which was filed Feb. 24 in the 357th state District Court in Brownsville. In the suit, Garcia is also claiming the diocese has been negligent in monitoring Atangana. James Osborne covers PSJA and general assignments for The Monitor. You can reach him at (956) 683-4428. For this and other stories, visit www.themonitor.com.
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