Washington AGO sues Catholic church over documents in child abuse investigation | Washington

(The Center Square) – Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson is asking a court to enforce a subpoena against the Catholic Church’s Archdiocese of Seattle for documents related to a child abuse investigation.

Speech to the press on Thursday conference, Ferguson said the investigation was looking into alleged “decades of compelling sexual abuse” but that the archdiocese had refused to release information that had already been made publicly available. The AGO’s investigation is specifically examining whether three Washington dioceses used charitable funds to cover up allegations against clergy.

A press release said: “The Attorney General’s Office has a long-standing policy of not commenting on investigations or confirming whether they exist.” Because the Archdiocese of Seattle refused to comply with the office’s subpoena, the office now has to file one Obtain a court order to advance the investigation. This process made the investigation public.”

According to the application filed The King County Superior Court said: “The people of Washington have a compelling interest in learning the truth about the Church’s complicity in sexual abuse and whether the archdiocese’s charitable trust funds have been used for this unlawful purpose.” They deserve evidence-based assurances – not empty promises – that these trust funds will never be used to harm children in the future.”

In 2016, the Archdiocese of Seattle was created Approved a list of clergy and religious leaders the church believes were involved in the sexual abuse of a minor in Western Washington.

The hearing in King County Superior Court is scheduled for May 22.