Ex-Wyoming Catholic Youth Minister and Diocese Face Lawsuit Over Alleged Sexual Assault of Three Boys

A former Wyoming Catholic youth minister and teacher in Casper is facing a lawsuit alleging he sexually assaulted three boys while they participated in youth programs organized by a local church and the Diocese of Cheyenne. The civil complaint, filed Tuesday, claims that Doug Hudson, who served as a youth minister under the diocese, engaged in the alleged misconduct in the 1990s. The lawsuit also names the Diocese of Cheyenne and Our Lady of Fatima Church in Casper as defendants, accusing them of failing to supervise and protect the minors involved.

The complaint outlines that the plaintiffs, who were minors at the time, participated in church youth programs where Hudson worked. All three allege that they were sexually assaulted during one of these programs. The Diocese of Cheyenne and Our Lady of Fatima Church provided Hudson with housing on their campus for conducting youth activities. Two of the accusers claim the assaults occurred at this residence.

The lawsuit further alleges that the diocese and church were aware Hudson was inviting minors to his home on campus and had organized at least one off-campus overnight trip for youth activities. The plaintiffs assert that these entities failed to take appropriate measures to safeguard the children, despite knowing of Hudson’s conduct.

At the time of the alleged incidents, Hudson was supervised by Father Pietro Philip Colibraro, who later became the pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Church. The diocese acknowledged a substantiated allegation of sexual abuse against Colibraro involving an adolescent male in 2005. Colibraro, who died in 2017, served as co-pastor of the church in 1990 and sole pastor until his retirement in 2001.

The diocese has not yet commented on the lawsuit, stating it plans to respond publicly “in the near future.” Efforts to locate Hudson have been unsuccessful, with some calls disconnected and others ending abruptly when the reporter inquired about his identity. Hudson’s court summons lists a North Carolina address, though records suggest he moved to Kentucky in 2024.

The case highlights the importance of accountability and oversight in institutions that serve minors. As Proverbs 31:8-9 reminds us, we are called to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. The legal proceedings will determine the extent of responsibility and the measures taken to protect vulnerable individuals. The situation underscores the need for vigilance, transparency, and a commitment to justice in all aspects of ministry and community care.

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