NewsLocal News

Actions

Lawsuit alleges forced adoption from decades ago

Posted at 7:51 PM, Aug 20, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-20 21:11:00-04

OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Former Omahan, Kathleen Chafin, is suing the Archdiocese of Omaha and the Wisconsin Province of the Society of Jesus, seeking $10 million in damages stemming from an adoption in the 1960s.

According to the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court, she was attending college at St. Louis University and learned she was pregnant in 1968.

Chafin claims she was pressured to return to Omaha that year over spring break.

The lawsuit alleges Father Thomas Halley, a priest with the Archdiocese of Omaha, deceived Chafin and forced her to sign a contract to live in special housing for young unmarried girls.

Court documents say when Chafin gave birth, her son was allegedly taken away before she could hold him and without her consent.

Chafin hadn't met her son until just four years ago.

The lawsuit claims the defendants concealed alleged adoption fraud up until recently.

3 News Now reached out to the Archdiocese of Omaha and is waiting for a response.