Filing Alert: Diocese of Fresno Chapter 11

The Roman Catholic Bishop of Fresno, the corporate entity representing the Diocese of Fresno, filed for Chapter 11 protection on Jul. 1 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of California.

The petition follows a surge of roughly 153 clergy-sexual-abuse lawsuits filed under California’s recent look-back window; Bishop Joseph V. Brennan said the Chapter 11 process is the best way to compensate all survivors fairly and equitably while preserving the Church’s ministries. The filing automatically stays further litigation while a unified claims process is established.

The company reports $50 million to $100 million in both assets and liabilities. The filing indicates that there will be funds available for distribution to unsecured creditors. The case number is 25-12231.

Key Parties

Counsel:

• Hagop T. Bedoyan
• McCormick, Barstow, Sheppard, Wayte & Carruth
• Email: hagop.bedoyan@mccormickbarstow.com

Signatories:

• The Most Reverend Joseph V. Brennan – Bishop

Bondoro Insights is continuing to monitor this case and will provide further coverage as appropriate.

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