The Catholic Diocese of Lubbock has responded to allegations of falsely accusing a former deacon of sexual abuse.

Back in 2018, the Catholic Church ordered all the dioceses of Texas to release the names of clergy who were accused of sexually abusing a minor.

KAMC News reports that Jesus Guerrero of Lubbock was listed among the names, and now seeks $1 million, accusing the diocese of libel and defamation.

According to the diocese, a sexual misconduct allegation was made against Guerrero back in 2003 "involving a woman known to have a history of mental and emotional problems." It was also clarified that the church defines a minor to include adults with diminished capacity.

Guerrero was suspended that year, but was reinstated in 2006.

The church apparently received another sexual misconduct allegation by the same woman in 2007.

The diocese permanently withdrew Guerrero's diaconal duties in 2008 after an investigation.

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