Wyoming Woman Filed Cases Against Former Priest Who Molested Her, Catholic Diocese Of Cheyenne For Cover Up

Cheyenne, WY (AHN) - An Albany woman has filed a lawsuit against a former parish priest in Casper for molesting her when she was in her teens in the 1970s, and the Catholic Diocese of Cheyenne, Wyoming for covering up the abuse at the Natrona County District Court.

The reported victim, who is now in her 40s, met Fr. John Murray in 1976 when her family moved to Casper. She joined Murray in several church services and retreats for teenagers. She claimed that she was sexually abused four times from mid-1976 to mid-1977.

The woman reported the abuse to Casper police in 2006 due to anxiety and emotional trauma from the abuse. Murray admitted the molestation charges and pleaded guilty to engaging in indecent liberties with a minor.

The diocese relieved Murray of his duties when the charges were filed. However, there were no other child abuse related complaints against Murray to support the case.

Diocesan administrator Rev. Michael Carr admitted that Murray's behavior was deplorable. However, the statute of limitations has run out regarding any legal action against the diocese, he added.