State re-evaluating its findings in sexual abuse case

HELENA (AP) – State health officials are rescinding a finding that no sexual abuse occurred in a January incident between two clients at the Montana Developmental Center.

The officials said Friday they will hire an outside expert to re-examine the case.

A client at the center in Boulder reported he had been sexually abused on Jan. 28. The state Department of Justice investigated and determined that abuse occurred.

It said two staff members were negligent for inadequate supervision.

The Department of Public Health and Human Services disagreed with the abuse finding — only to announce on Friday that it was reversing that stand.