Attorneys file 8 lawsuits alleging Catholic clergy abuse in Southern New Mexico

Attorneys have filed eight civil lawsuits against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces and the Catholic Diocese of El Paso, alleging that priests in Southern New Mexico committed sexual abuse against children aged 3 to 15 between 1956 and 1990. The cases, filed this week in the Third Judicial District courts, seek damages for alleged intentional and reckless disregard for the harm caused to victims.

The law firms Davis Kelin Law Firm and Huffman Wallace & Monagle represent the current plaintiffs. The lawsuits name several priests for alleged acts of sexual abuse, including Monsignor Albert Chavez, Father David Holley, Father Emilio Roure, Father Wilfrid Diamond, Monsignor Gonzalo Morales, Father Bernard Bissonnette, Father Joaquin Resma, and one unidentified visiting priest. The complaints also cite parishes in Las Cruces, Alamogordo, Anthony, Doña Ana, Mesilla Park, and Ruidoso.

Attorney Levi Monagle, representing the plaintiffs, noted that while public awareness of clergy abuse has grown, the long-term impact of sexual assault often delays victims from seeking justice. “There’s a perception this is a closed chapter in the church’s history,” Monagle said. “It’s certainly true that the vast majority of the abuse occurred in decades past, but that doesn’t mean the day-to-day lives of these victims have changed.”

The lawsuits allege that some of the accused priests, including Holley and Bissonnette, were previously sent to the Servants of the Paraclete Center in Jemez Springs for treatment related to prior allegations of abuse. Despite credible accusations, these priests were placed in parishes without supervision or warning. The law firms involved have established a webpage providing information on the cases and resources for victims, including nonprofit sexual assault services and counseling.

The Diocese of El Paso is aware of the lawsuits but has declined to comment on the allegations in pending litigation. A written statement from the diocese’s communications director, Fernie Ceniceros, emphasized the diocese’s commitment to cooperating with all parties and treating abuse as a grave matter. The Diocese of Las Cruces has not yet issued a public statement.

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