Diocese faces another sex abuse lawsuit
By Nick Hytrek, Journal staff writer | Posted: Saturday, May 22, 2004
A 15th lawsuit alleging sexual abuse by a Catholic priest has been filed against the Diocese of Sioux City.
Kim Henshaw, formerly known as Kim Pinney, alleges that the Rev. George M. McFadden had sexual contact with her in the early 1960s when she was under the age of 14. The alleged abuse occurred at St. Francis of Assisi parish, which is now closed.
The suit, filed Thursday in Woodbury County District Court, is similar to the others filed against McFadden and the diocese. It accuses both of sexual abuse, intentional infliction of emotional distress, assault, negligent supervision and conspiracy.
As in the other suits, Henshaw alleges that the diocese knew McFadden had sexually abused boys and girls at other parishes but covered up his actions by transferring him to other churches.
Most of the suits against McFadden concern his actions while at St. Francis. Other lawsuits allege sexual abuse by McFadden at Sioux City's Immaculate Conception parish and St. Joseph's in Jefferson.
As a result of the alleged abuse, Henshaw said in the suit that she suffers anxiety attacks, sleeping difficulty, nightmares, loss of self-esteem, loss of trust and withdrawal from others. She is seeking damages for past and future medical expenses, mental anguish, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and legal costs.
The other 14 cases are pending. Four of them are scheduled for trial early next year.
McFadden is retired and living in another state. He has been suspended of his priestly duties.
Nick Hytrek can be reached at 712-293-4226 or nickhytrek@siouxcityjournal.com.
Kim Henshaw, formerly known as Kim Pinney, alleges that the Rev. George M. McFadden had sexual contact with her in the early 1960s when she was under the age of 14. The alleged abuse occurred at St. Francis of Assisi parish, which is now closed.
The suit, filed Thursday in Woodbury County District Court, is similar to the others filed against McFadden and the diocese. It accuses both of sexual abuse, intentional infliction of emotional distress, assault, negligent supervision and conspiracy.
As in the other suits, Henshaw alleges that the diocese knew McFadden had sexually abused boys and girls at other parishes but covered up his actions by transferring him to other churches.
Most of the suits against McFadden concern his actions while at St. Francis. Other lawsuits allege sexual abuse by McFadden at Sioux City's Immaculate Conception parish and St. Joseph's in Jefferson.
As a result of the alleged abuse, Henshaw said in the suit that she suffers anxiety attacks, sleeping difficulty, nightmares, loss of self-esteem, loss of trust and withdrawal from others. She is seeking damages for past and future medical expenses, mental anguish, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and legal costs.
The other 14 cases are pending. Four of them are scheduled for trial early next year.
McFadden is retired and living in another state. He has been suspended of his priestly duties.
Nick Hytrek can be reached at 712-293-4226 or nickhytrek@siouxcityjournal.com.
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