Olmsted County Jury Awards Multi-Million Dollar Damages to Winona-Rochester Diocese Sex Abuse Survivor

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- An Olmsted County jury came to a verdict awarding a multi-million dollars in damages to a sex abuse survivor of the Winona-Rochester Diocese. 

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The jury returned the verdict at the conclusion of a civil case trial on Monday. 

The lawsuit claimed the diocese was negligent in protecting the juvenile plaintiff from being victimized by Father Joseph Cashman, who was suspended from his ministerial privileges as a priest in 1992.

The male survivor alleged he was sexually abused by Cashman in the mid 1970’s while Cashman was an employee of Diocese of Winona, Lourdes High School, and Rochester Catholic Schools.

According to a biography on the diocese website, in 1986 the church became aware of "inappropriate sexual contact" between Cashman and an adult seminarian. 

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It goes on to say that the diocese was later informed of allegations of "sexual approaches" to underage males and then learned of "actual sexual contacts" with minor students. 

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, resources are available for help. Visit the RAINN website (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) or dial 800-656-HOPE (800-656-4673).

Winona-Rochester Diocese Sex Abuse Victim Awarded Multi-Million Dollar Damages

The jury awarded the survivor a $7.6 million in damages. The panel of seven came to a unanimous verdict, according to case records. 

“This is a case about accountability, it’s about justice. It’s about Doe 254 finding his voice and regaining his power. We stand with him on this momentous day,” said attorney Josh Peck, who represented the survivor. 

In 2018, the Diocese of Winona filed for bankruptcy as a result of its liability in clergy sexual abuse cases. Four years ago, the diocese settled with more than 100 clergy abuse victims for about $28 million. 

Payouts for sex abuse victims are funded by insurance. The diocese did not return KROC News’s request for comment on the verdict in the civil case.