Another Clergy Abuse Lawsuit Against Winona Diocese

Winona, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Diocese of a Winona has been named in a another clergy abuse lawsuit.

The case involves a man who alleges he was sexually abused by the Reverend Richard Hatch over 50-years ago at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and School in Winona. The lawsuit was filed Tuesday by the Hamilton James Law group on behalf of the man, who was 13 and 14 years old when the alleged abuse occurred in 1962.

It claims the diocese knew Hatch posed a sexual threat to boys and the church was negligent for failing to properly supervise the priest.

The lawsuit is the latest to be filed against the Catholic Church as a result of a state law that temporarily lifted the statute of limitations for past sexual abuse involving children.