Judge to rule on Charlotte Catholic Diocese lawsuit

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A judge is expected to rule on whether a lawsuit can continue against the Charlotte Catholic Diocese.

The suit claims two priests sexually abused children.

Channel 9 reported the lawsuit in 2011 and now a judge will decide if too much time passed before the accusers came forward against Father Joseph Kelleher and Father Richard Farwell.

Attorneys want the case to go to trial. They said they have new information, including that a witness contacted three bishops about the suspected abuse.

"The Diocese said it's too late for our victims and the victims say the Diocese prevented them from knowing their rights by covering up child abuse, so the victims say they should be allowed to have their day in court," said the plaintiff's attorney, Leto Copeley.

Kelleher is facing criminal charges connected to one plaintiff but no trial date has been set. The judge will decide the future of the civil case by June 20.

Channel 9 reached out to the attorney for the Diocese but have not heard back.

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