Thirteen lawsuits are now pending against the Diocese of Gallup, which includes northern Arizona, related to misconduct on the part of the diocese’s priests. The latest is a June 2013 suit brought by two women and ten men; all the suits are being filed by Phoenix personal injury lawyer Robert E. Pastor of Montoya, Lucero & Pastor, PA in the Coconino County Superior Court.
Covering Up Priestly Misbehavior
The lawsuits charge the Bishop of Gallup of harboring pedophile priests by appointing them to impoverished rural towns along Route 66 where the small parishes would be reluctant to object. Those being charged with abuse include Revs. William Allison, John T. Sullivan, Clement Hageman, Raul Sanchez, Brother Mark Schomack, and Monsignor James Lindenmeyer.
Several of the accused priests had received treatment similar to that of sex offenders and instead of being defrocked and handed over to the civil authorities, were instead transferred to other dioceses in other states.
Attorney Pastor related that after the Diocese of Gallup answers the suits over the summer, “The parties will then begin the process of uncovering the secrets the Diocese of Gallup has been hiding with the hope that when the Diocese of Gallup is finally held to answer for its actions, victims will find some peace and comfort.”
Attorney Pastor and the firm can provide legal counsel and representation if you are hurt by another’s negligence or malice and recover the compensation you deserve!