SPOKANE-- The child sexual abuse civil lawsuit against the Morning Star Boys Ranch is now in the hands of the defense.
The trial resumed Thursday in Spokane with Father Joe Weitensteiner returning to the stand and again denying any claims of sexual abuse.
The former director of Morning Star Boys Ranch testified Thursday.
It is the first of 19 civil lawsuits against the home for troubled teens.
Father Weitensteiner’s denials are not new.
He gave the same testimony when he was called by the plaintiffs.
Father Weitensteiner asked the media not to show him Thursday morning.
Under questioning by the defense, Father Weitensteiner denied abusing the plaintiff, Kenny Putnam.
Putnam is suing Morning Star Boys Ranch, saying he was abused several times by Father Weitensteiner and another staff member between October 1988 and November 1989.
Father Weitensteiner also denied any other abuse taking place at the ranch, adding that if something had happened, he would know about it.
Thursday afternoon, the defense called Dr. Russ Vandenbelt, a psychiatrist who said he makes 40% of his income from church abuse cases.
He testified to Putnam’s mental state, calling him a man of below-average intelligence with significant mental issues.
The plaintiff, Kenny Putnam will be called to the stand on Monday. Closing arguments are expected on Tuesday.
