The Hireling Report #29

Link to Original

Note: this is only an allegation, but there are several against this bishop.

11/30/2005

More Allegations Against Former Bishop

More allegations of sexual abuse have been made against a former bishop of the Sioux City Catholic Diocese.

Seven men claim they were sexually assaulted by former Bishop Lawrence Soens. They want to settle their cases through mediation rather than the courts.

The men's attorney, Craig Levein, says the cases were turned over to attorneys for the diocese and Soens last week. The diocese acknowledged receiving the cases, but says church officials and attorneys haven't had time to investigate.

The cases are the latest allegations against Soens, who is already defending himself in state court against lawsuits filed by two other victims.

Soens is accused of molesting students 40 years ago while serving as principal of Regina High School, a Catholic school in Iowa City.

Matt Breen
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