Spokane Boys' Home Cleared Of Sex Abuse Charges

BY DOUG NADVORNICK

A jury in Spokane has cleared a Catholic boys' home of sex abuse charges brought by a former resident. The verdict could cast doubt on whether 18 other cases against the group home will go to trial. Doug Nadvornick reports.


The jury denied a claim by Kenneth Putnam. He's a 34-year-old Spokane man who says he was abused at the Morning Star Boys' Ranch more than 20 years ago.

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Putnam's attorneys tried to convince jurors that the group home has long been a haven for predatory priests and sex offenders.

But the panel cleared the boys' ranch and its longtime director, Father Joseph Weitensteiner, of all charges.

This was the first of 19 claims brought against the group home to go to trial.

Morning Star attorney Jim King says the reputation of the facility and its former leader have been unfairly tarnished.

Jim King: "Father Weitensteiner's a good man. He didn't do the things he's accused of. We fully intend to try each and every case where a claim is made that is unjustified and unwarranted."

Putnam's attorney, Tim Kosnoff, refused comment.

Before the trial, he said this case would help determine whether others against the group home will go to the courtroom or be settled.

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