Va. woman claims exorcism turned to sexual abuse - DC Breaking Local News Weather Sports FOX 5 WTTG

Va. woman claims exorcism turned to sexual abuse

A woman who claims a priest molested her during a more than two-year exorcism is suing the Catholic Diocese of Arlington.

The lawsuit in Arlington County Circuit Court also names Bishop Paul Loverde and Front Royal-based Human Life International Inc. as defendants. It seeks more than $5.3 million in damages.

The complaint says the woman went to the Rev. Thomas Euteneur (ET'-en-our) in 2008 for spiritual help. Euteneur was president of HLI, an anti-abortion ministry, and also performed exorcisms.

According to the lawsuit, Euteneur's sessions with the woman frequently involved inappropriate touching and directing her to undress. The complaint says Euteneur explained passionate kisses as "blowing the Holy Spirit" into her.

The Arlington Diocese says Euteneur was never a priest of the diocese and reported the allegations to his superiors.