SPOKANE-- More dramatic testimony in the Morning Star Boys Ranch civil suit trial Thursday, as the former director and plaintiff both took the stand.
It’s the first of several lawsuits filed against the facility to go to trial. All allege sexual and physical abuse by staff.
Thursday’s developments included a battle over a surprise witness.
First, Father Joe Weitensteiner wrapped up testimony he started Wednesday.
He said if boys claimed they were abused, there was no rule that he had to be told.
But according to the plaintiff, it was Weitensteiner who was committing the abuse.
Attorney Tim Kosnoff asked Kenny Putnam today who his parent’s are, Putnam replied “the state.”
Putnam’s life sounds like one hardship after another. His parents didn’t care for him. Foster homes treated him poorly. After his time at Morning Star, he battled drug abuse and spent time in prison.
For 14 months, around 1986, Putnam lived at Morning Star.
Putnam testified that he was molested, first by Doyle Gillum, then by Father Joe.
The late Gillum was a counselor at the Ranch.
The alleged abuse happened in Putnam’s room.
Putnam says all he remembers is waking up with Gillum touching him and kissing his genitals.
Putnam says he tried to tell others what happened, including Father Joe Weitensteiner.
Putnam then described a day of alleged abuse, stretching from Weitensteiner’s boat to his Hillyard apartment. Putnam says after the physical abuse was over he was verbally abused.
Father Weitensteiner finished his testimony by denying a key piece of the plaintiff’s case. A piece they hope to address Monday. Michael Clark is a key piece of the plaintiff’s case.
They say Father Weitensteiner gave the former resident $2,000 to keep quiet about abuses there, including his own.
Weitensteiner denied that on the stand Wednesday.
Clark will testify without a jury Monday.
The defense did not ask questions, choosing to wait until presenting its own case.
