ONLY ON ABC-7: Las Cruces man says priest sexually assaulted him

A Las Cruces man said a priest sexually assaulted him as a young boy, according to an exclusive interview with ABC-7.

“Across this country, it’s a disease that needs to be stopped,” said the man, who asked to remain anonymous.

The accuser’s father died when he was only nine years old. He said he turned to Father Joaquin Resma for guidance at Our Lady of Health in Las Cruces.

He said Resma, who is now dead, abused that trust.

“Because children trust in authority and authority takes advantage of children that don’t know the difference between right and wrong,” the man said.

He told ABC-7 abuse will change a child forever.

“It damages their life,” he said. “It damages their thoughts, their process, their way of living. What they think, how to behave, how to interact, how to trust. You can’t trust anyone anymore. I don’t trust anyone.”

The man, who asked to remain anonymous, wouldn’t go into details. The lawsuit only describes what happened as “sexual assault” and “abuse.” He sued the Catholic Diocese of El Paso, which had jurisdiction over Our Lady of Health at the time.

He said he still has faith.

“I still trust in God,” the main said. “I trust that people are good.”

The former Catholic told ABC-7 it’s never too late to come forward.

“If anybody’s out there, and you’ve been damaged by the Catholic religion, by Father Resma, by abuse of any kind, please tell someone,” the man said. “Speak up. Don’t be quiet. Any longer.”

His lawyer, Connie Flores, said three others have come forward with allegations against Father Resma since the man filed his original lawsuit in late June. Flores can be reached at 575-222-1000.

The statement from the Diocese of El Paso reads, in part:

“According to media reports, allegations of sexual abuse of a minor were made against a priest named Joaquin Resma, who is now deceased.

The issue of sexual misconduct is an issue in many organizations and in society as a whole…The Diocese of El Paso remains committed to address all allegations of sexual misconduct made against any and all of its clergy and diocesan personnel.

Because these allegations originated several decades prior when the Diocese of El Paso included Las Cruces, NM, we wish to ask those who know of other situations of misconduct by this former priest to please inform law enforcement and the Diocese.

We know it is important to offer the opportunity for any other victims to come forward.

We wish to encourage any and all other victims of Resma to please contact Diocese of El Paso Victims Assistance Coordinator Susan Martinez, LCSW at 915-872-8465 or at smartinez@elpasodiocese.org.”