Dallas

Dallas Jesuit Graduate Files Lawsuit Claiming Former School President Sexually Assaulted Him

A graduate of Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas says the school's former president, who was on a list of credibly accused priests, sexually assaulted him, according to a lawsuit filed Monday.

The lawsuit says Patrick J. Koch, who died in 2006, was the lone abuser, but that he couldn't have acted alone.

Koch's name was included on a list released by the Catholic Diocese of Dallas in late January of "priests with credible allegations of sexual of abuse of minors since 1950."

Koch served as principal of Jesuit Dallas from 1972-79, president from 1979-80 and director of alumni from 1980-86, according to the school's website.

The lawsuit says the school "created and fostered a community where abuse would occur and the School (sic) did nothing to prevent the problem despite its obviousness."

Jesuit College Preparatory President Mike Earsing released the following statement Wednesday:

"We have not been served with the lawsuit or reviewed its contents nor would it be appropriate to discuss the specifics of this lawsuit. We continue to extend our compassion and support for all victims of sexual misconduct conduct and abuse."

The Catholic Diocese of Dallas issued the following statement Tuesday.

"The Diocese of Dallas has yet to be served with this lawsuit and has not had a chance to thoroughly review it. The Diocese continues to urge anyone who has been the victim of abuse by a priest to come forward. The list of priests with credible allegations was part of that process. The Diocese of Dallas takes every claim of abuse very seriously."

The suit is the second filed by a graduate of Dallas Jesuit since March.

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