January 22, 2010
Boys Ranch Director and Plaintiff Take Stand In Homosex Abuse Trial (See Video)
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, Rev. 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.Click Here For The Full Story......
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Lawyers Lay Out Cases In Morning Star Boys' Ranch Trial
SPOKANE, WA -- An attorney for a former resident of Morning Star Boys’ Ranch accused the group home for troubled boys of turning a blind eye to longstanding sexual abuse there, while an attorney representing the ranch claimed those making the accusations are motivated by money. Those statements came this morning as both sides in a civil lawsuit presented opening statements in Spokane County Superior Court. Attorney Tim Kosnoff, who represents plaintiff Kenny Putnam, said Morning Star administrators knew or should have known that abuse was occurring and alleged two of the abusers were ranch directors. He was referring to the Rev. Marvin Lavoy, now deceased, and the Rev. Joseph Weitensteiner, who Putnam accuses of abusing him while a resident of the ranch in 1988-89. “Management knew because they were doing it themselves,” Kosnoff said.