Lawsuit: Diocese didn’t properly investigate sex abuse claim

The Diocese of Knoxville also covers congregations in our area

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The Roman Catholic Diocese of Knoxville and its bishop have been named in a lawsuit alleging that sexual abuse allegations against a former employee weren’t investigated properly.

News outlets report that the complaint filed Tuesday in Knox County Circuit Court accuses Knoxville Bishop Richard Stika of overreaching in an investigation of the abuse claims.

Diocesan spokesperson Jim Wogan says attorneys are reviewing the claims and the diocese will “vigorously defend itself” if the lawsuit moves forward.

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