Ex-Catholic Youth Minister Denies Sexual Misconduct Allegations Amid Church’s Settlement of Three Claims

A former Catholic youth minister in Casper, Wyoming, has denied allegations of sexual misconduct against three boys during the 1990s, while the Diocese of Cheyenne and Our Lady of Fatima Church have moved to dismiss three of the claims in a civil lawsuit, according to verified reporting. The lawsuit, filed in April 2026, alleges that Doug Hudson, who served as a youth minister and teacher under the Diocese of Cheyenne, sexually assaulted three boys while they participated in youth programs at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Casper. The complaint also accuses the diocese and the church of failing to supervise Hudson and protect the minors, enabling the alleged abuse. In a 20-page response, Hudson’s legal team denied the allegations, though specific details of the denial were not provided in verified sources. Meanwhile, the Diocese of Cheyenne and Our Lady of Fatima Church have filed motions to dismiss three of the claims, citing procedural or evidentiary grounds. The diocese has not yet issued a public statement beyond confirming its intent to respond to the allegations after consulting legal counsel. The case underscores ongoing legal challenges faced by religious institutions over historical sexual abuse claims. Similar lawsuits have emerged in recent years across the U.S., with dioceses and churches often settling claims out of court to avoid prolonged litigation. However, this case marks one of the few instances where a defendant has formally denied the allegations in a court filing. The lawsuit also highlights the broader context of accountability in religious youth programs. According to verified reporting, Hudson was provided housing on the church’s Casper campus for conducting youth activities, raising questions about oversight and safety protocols at the time. No further details were available regarding the status of the remaining claims or potential settlement discussions. The case remains pending in Wyoming courts as legal proceedings continue. For individuals affected by clergy abuse, support resources are available through organizations such as the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) and local advocacy groups.