Bankruptcy judge recuses self in Montana diocese bankruptcy

[TexasTowelie]

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Montana’s federal bankruptcy judge has recused himself from overseeing the bankruptcy filing of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Great Falls-Billings because his former law firm provided assistance in the case.

The Billings Gazette reports (http://bit.ly/2oYu7s3) U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Benjamin Hursh disqualified himself from hearing the case on April 24. The case has been assigned to U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Jim Pappas of Idaho.

The diocese filed for bankruptcy in March as part of the negotiations to settle 72 claims of sexual abuse.

The diocese says it and its insurance carrier would contribute to a fund to compensate victims.

Read more: http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/ap_news/montana/bankruptcy-judge-recuses-self-in-diocese-bankruptcy/article_8b242b47-d6ce-523d-87e6-f51bd06dafc3.html

[2naSalit]

1. And it is the appropriateaction

taken by the judge. I actually have had interaction with the one from Idaho who is to take his place in this case. He's got a good reputation and I got a good vibe from him... but then I didn't interact with him in a courtroom. I suspect it will ruled upon fairly.