Great Falls Diocese complaint

After a lawsuit was filed in September against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena. More victims have come forward in a new filing today out of Eastern Montana.

The latest suit represents an additional ten alleged victims, as part of an ongoing lawsuit against the Diocese of Helena, and the Great Falls and Billings Diocese. Tim Kosnoff, an attorney for the plaintiffs, says most of the claims stem from the mid 60's to mid 80's. According to Kosnoff, "It's a continuation of really the case that we began back in September against the Diocese of Helena. We now have over 200 victims that have come forward. We have I think approximately 140 in suit and more that will be placed in suit soon."

Father Jay Peterson, Vicar General and representative of the Great Falls-Billings Diocese says whenever allegations of this nature are made they are taken very seriously. He says news of the claims is disappointing, and that they have a strict policy that is followed in regards to these types of cases. Father Peterson says, "We follow our policies.  You can find our policies on our website. We have a zero tolerance policy. We're very clear when we do receive an allegation the process that is involved it's all very clearly outlined in our policy."
    
Attorney Tim Kosnoff says this will only be the first of many new filings moving forward. Father Jay Peterson says they will wait for the court system to help sort out any false claims.

Story by Drew Steele, Beartooth NBC.
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