By Matt Sepic, KWMU
Belleville, Ill – An Illinois man has filed suit against a former Roman Catholic priest and the Diocese of Belleville, alleging childhood sexual abuse.
The un-named 36-year-old man said Father Raymond Kownacki molested him more than 20 years ago at St. Theresa's parish in Salem, Ill.
Attorney Patrick Noaker said the diocese received complaints about Kownacki several years prior to the alleged abuse.
"This abuse could have been avoided," Noaker said. "The diocese of Belleville knew for a fact that Fr. Raymond Kownacki was a child molester at least as early as 1973."
The plaintiff is seeking at least $50,000 in damages. A diocesan spokesman says the priest was removed in 1995.
This is the third abuse suit filed against Kownacki.