Wyoming Diocese Substantiates 3 More Sex Abuse Claims

Wyoming Diocese Substantiates 3 More Sex Abuse Claims

SHAWN THEW/AFP/Getty Images. Former Bishop of Cheyenne Joseph A. Hart reads a news story about the sexual abuse scandal within the church at a session of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2002.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Cheyenne in Wyoming says it has reported to police three new credible allegations of child sexual abuse against a retired bishop.

Diocese officials said in a statement Tuesday the new complaints against Bishop Joseph Hart are in addition to three separate allegations previously determined to be credible.

Cheyenne Police Officer David Inman told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle the department is aware of the new complaints. Police have recommended Laramie County prosecutors file charges over the previous complaints.

The prosecutor has not commented and no charges have been filed against Hart in Laramie County.

Hart, who led the Diocese of Cheyenne from 1976 to 2001, has consistently denied the allegations of sexual abuse or misconduct.

The diocese in Kansas City, Missouri, says it has settled lawsuits in 10 cases involving Hart.

Filed Under: bishop, Catholic Church, Diocese, Joseph Hart, sex abuse
Categories: Associated Press, Wyoming News

More From KOWB 1290