Start of boys ranch abuse trial delayed

The trial in the first of numerous lawsuits alleging abuse of a former resident of Morning Star Boys’ Ranch was delayed today while the Spokane County Superior Court judge assigned to hear it reviews pretrial motions in the case. Trial of the civil case, brought by Kenneth Putnam, will begin Tuesday in Judge Kathleen O’Connor’s courtroom. Putnam is one of 19 former residents accusing the ranch of allowing physical and sexual abuse by ranch employees. It is expected that O’Connor will rule on several motions this week, as well as begin to seat a jury in the case.