Diocese of Cheyenne

Bishop Steven Biegler wrote, "These findings do not equate to innocence; rather, a high burden of proof has not been met."

Cheyenne police are hoping to release more information about former Catholic bishop Joseph Hart's case later this week.

Bishop Steven Biegler of the Catholic Diocese of Cheyenne recently released a statement regarding the reopening of churches in the state.

Parish offices will remain open for the time being.

Cheyenne police have recommended charges against a Catholic clergyman and a man seeking membership in the clergy who they say sexually abused boys in the 70’s and 80’s.

Several of the clergy who have had substantial allegations of sexually abusing children have died.

The Diocese of Cheyenne has included Hart on a list of 12 former Cheyenne Catholic clergymen since 1950 who have been substantiated as sexual abusers.

Funeral Mass will be held Friday, March 22nd at 10:30am at St. Patrick's in Casper. Internment will follow at Highland Cemetery. All are welcome.

In an effort to have a consolidated case, Malatesta is asking anyone making a report to do so by Sept. 21.​

"We really saw it as an issue regarding religious liberty, so we saw the settlement as a victory for religious liberty."