On July 14, 2025, survivors filed eight lawsuits in New Mexico’s Third Judicial District. These lawsuits alleged that victims were sexually abused as children by priests with the Diocese of El Paso and Diocese of Las Cruces from the 1960s to 1990s. They also accuse several deceased priests in Southern New Mexico parishes of sexual misconduct during their tenure.
The filings represent a continuing wave of legal action against religious institutions for their role in allegedly covering up decades of child sexual abuse. These kinds of lawsuits demand justice and compensation for victims who have long lived with the emotional and psychological scars of their experiences.
A Shocking History of Abuse
The lawsuits detail the horrific experiences of children who were allegedly abused by priests during their time in New Mexico. Victims claim the abuse took place in several churches, including Our Lady of Health in Las Cruces, Our Lady of Purification in Doña Ana, and St. Anthony in Anthony. The priests named in the lawsuits are Monsignor Albert Chavez, Monsignor Gonzalo Morales, the Rev. David Holley, the Rev. Emilio Roure, the Rev. Wilfrid Diamond, the Rev. Bernard Bissonnette, and the Rev. Joaquin Resma, all of whom are now deceased.
One victim spoke specifically about Father Bernard Bissonnette, a priest accused of abusing over 30 children during his time in New Mexico. Bissonnette was transferred to St. Eleanor Parish in 1963 due to allegations of child sexual abuse in Connecticut. Despite previous accusations, he continued to serve in several other parishes in the state until 1992, before being laicized in 2005.
Father David Holley, a notorious serial pedophile who was transferred to New Mexico from Massachusetts, is also named in a suit. Holley allegedly abused a 10-year-old boy between 1975 and 1976. According to the lawsuit, Holley frequently used alcohol and pornography to manipulate and sexually abuse the victim. Holley was convicted in 1993 for similar crimes and died in prison in 2008.
The Lasting Impact on Survivors
These lawsuits highlight the enduring physical, psychological, and emotional harm caused to the victims. Many survivors have struggled with addiction to alcohol and drugs as a direct result of the trauma they endured.
The plaintiffs’ legal team also expressed concern about the broader implications of such extensive abuse within the church, noting that the Diocese of El Paso continued to transfer known offenders between parishes, allowing them to harm more children. The legal team believes that many more survivors have yet to come forward and that this litigation could be just the beginning of a larger movement for justice.
Calls for Accountability and Action from the Church
The Diocese of El Paso responded to the lawsuits by stating they are committed to cooperating fully with all involved parties but declined to comment on the ongoing litigation. The diocese’s spokesperson, Fernie Ceniceros, reiterated the church’s dedication to protecting parishioners and ensuring justice is served in cases of abuse. The diocese also mentioned their Safe Environment training programs for clergy, employees, and volunteers, designed to prevent future incidents.
Pope Leo XIV, who became pope early in 2025, has also addressed the widespread allegations of abuse within the church. In a recent message, he emphasized the church’s need to foster a culture of prevention, transparency, and accountability to prevent abuse from happening again. The Pope’s statement was seen as a call to action for the church, urging leadership to listen to victims and take proactive steps to root out abusive practices.
However, for victims like those involved in these lawsuits, transparency and accountability are still lacking.
How Survivors Can Seek Justice
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual abuse, whether by clergy members or any other occupation, it’s important to reach out for help. At Helping Survivors, we offer free consultations and can connect you with trusted legal professionals who specialize in cases of sexual assault and abuse.
You are not alone, and support is available. Contact Helping Survivors today to begin your path toward healing and accountability.
