Diocese faces 21st sexual abuse lawsuit
By Nick Hytrek, Journal staff writer | Posted: Saturday, October 09, 2004
An anonymous man has filed the 21st sexual abuse lawsuit against the Diocese of Sioux City and a former priest.
Listed in court documents as John Doe, the man alleges that the Rev. George McFadden sexually abused him over a three-year period from 1969-72 while Doe was an altar boy at St. Francis Catholic Church in Jefferson, Iowa.
"... McFadden negligently and improperly used his job-created authority and influence as a minister to entice, coerce and/or counsel the minor (Doe) to engage in sexual conduct," said the lawsuit, filed this week in Woodbury County District Court.
Allegations against the diocese include negligent hiring and supervision, aiding and abetting and conspiracy. The diocese knew McFadden had previously sexually abused boys and girls while he was assigned to Sioux City parishes, but transferred him to other parishes to cover up his actions instead of stopping him, the lawsuit said.
Doe, who now lives in Oklahoma, is seeking damages in an unspecified amount for mental anguish and counseling. As a result of the abuse, the suit said, Doe now suffers anxiety, shame, difficulty sleeping, nightmares, loss of trust and self-esteem and withdrawal from others.
McFadden is named in 20 of the 21 lawsuits against the diocese. The other suit alleges abuse by the Rev. Everett Apt, who died in 1985. McFadden is retired and lives with relatives in another state. He has been suspended of his priestly duties and is prohibited from saying Mass and performing other functions of a priest.
Four of the lawsuits were dismissed in June, but no settlement details were disclosed. The remaining lawsuits are pending.
Nick Hytrek can be reached at 712-293-4226 or nickhytrek@siouxcityjournal.com.
Listed in court documents as John Doe, the man alleges that the Rev. George McFadden sexually abused him over a three-year period from 1969-72 while Doe was an altar boy at St. Francis Catholic Church in Jefferson, Iowa.
"... McFadden negligently and improperly used his job-created authority and influence as a minister to entice, coerce and/or counsel the minor (Doe) to engage in sexual conduct," said the lawsuit, filed this week in Woodbury County District Court.
Allegations against the diocese include negligent hiring and supervision, aiding and abetting and conspiracy. The diocese knew McFadden had previously sexually abused boys and girls while he was assigned to Sioux City parishes, but transferred him to other parishes to cover up his actions instead of stopping him, the lawsuit said.
Doe, who now lives in Oklahoma, is seeking damages in an unspecified amount for mental anguish and counseling. As a result of the abuse, the suit said, Doe now suffers anxiety, shame, difficulty sleeping, nightmares, loss of trust and self-esteem and withdrawal from others.
McFadden is named in 20 of the 21 lawsuits against the diocese. The other suit alleges abuse by the Rev. Everett Apt, who died in 1985. McFadden is retired and lives with relatives in another state. He has been suspended of his priestly duties and is prohibited from saying Mass and performing other functions of a priest.
Four of the lawsuits were dismissed in June, but no settlement details were disclosed. The remaining lawsuits are pending.
Nick Hytrek can be reached at 712-293-4226 or nickhytrek@siouxcityjournal.com.
Story Comments
Read More and Post Comments 0 comment(s)
Please note: The following are comments from readers. In no way do they represent the views of The Sioux City Journal or Lee Enterprises. We will not edit or alter your comments, but we do reserve the right to not post or to remove comments that violate our code of conduct. No comment may contain potentially libelous statements; obscene, explicit or racist language; personal attacks, insults or threats. Terms of Service
