Lawsuit claims El Paso religious recovery leader abused men in court-mandated care – KFOX

Report on Allegations of Abuse at a Recovery Facility and Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Institutional Accountability and Human Rights

A civil lawsuit filed in April 2025 highlights significant challenges to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning health, justice, and equality. The lawsuit alleges systemic sexual abuse within a court-mandated substance use treatment program in El Paso, Texas, implicating the Recovery Alliance of El Paso, its residential facility Casa Vida de Salud, and a religious counselor, Jorge (George) Georgetti. These allegations underscore a critical failure to protect vulnerable individuals, directly contravening the principles of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Violation of SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The case represents a profound failure of institutional governance and oversight, a core tenet of SDG 16, which calls for effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. The lawsuit alleges that the organizations entrusted with the care of vulnerable individuals failed in their primary duty of protection.

• Failure of Accountability: The lawsuit names the Recovery Alliance of El Paso, Casa Vida De Salud, and associated religious bodies, including the Holy Catholic Church Anglican Rite, for allegedly failing to act on complaints and allowing the abuse to persist. This points to a lack of accountable and transparent institutional mechanisms required by SDG 16.
• Abuse of Power: The alleged perpetrator, Jorge Georgetti, reportedly used his authority as a chaplain and recovery coach to coerce and intimidate residents. He allegedly threatened their standing in the court-mandated program, a clear exploitation of institutional power against a vulnerable population.
• Access to Justice: The legal action taken by the five plaintiffs is a critical step in seeking access to justice (Target 16.3). Attorney statements emphasize that the case is about holding institutions accountable for failing to protect the people they were mandated to serve.

Detriment to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The primary mission of a recovery facility is to promote health and well-being, in line with SDG 3. The allegations suggest that Casa Vida de Salud became a place of harm rather than healing, directly undermining this goal.

1. Compromised Mental and Physical Health: Instead of receiving support for substance use issues (Target 3.5), the five men were allegedly subjected to grooming, sexual assault, and psychological threats, causing severe trauma and jeopardizing their recovery and overall well-being.
2. Unsafe Environment: The lawsuit details how Georgetti allegedly used his position to create an environment of fear and coercion. Incidents of abuse reportedly occurred at multiple locations, including his office at the recovery facility, his home, and his car, indicating a complete breakdown of safety protocols.
3. Erosion of Trust: Such abuses erode public trust in health and rehabilitation services, potentially discouraging others from seeking necessary treatment and care.

Implications for SDG 5 and SDG 10: Equality and Reduced Inequalities

The lawsuit exposes deep-seated inequalities and highlights the universal need to combat sexual violence, aligning with the objectives of SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

• Targeting Vulnerable Populations (SDG 10): The victims were in a precarious position as residents of a court-mandated program, a status that was allegedly exploited. Georgetti is quoted as telling them, “No one would believe an addict,” weaponizing their marginalized status to ensure silence and perpetuate abuse. This is a direct violation of the principle of reducing inequalities and protecting vulnerable groups.
• Elimination of Violence (SDG 5): The allegations of serial sexual assault and exploitation fall under the umbrella of eliminating all forms of violence against all people (Target 5.2). The case demonstrates that systems intended for care can be co-opted for exploitation, making the call for robust protective measures within all institutions paramount.

Conclusion: A Call for Systemic Reform

The legal proceedings against Jorge Georgetti and the associated institutions serve as a critical test for institutional accountability. The plaintiffs are seeking over $1 million in damages, but the case’s implications extend far beyond monetary compensation. It calls for a systemic review of oversight mechanisms in recovery programs to ensure they are safe, effective, and aligned with the fundamental human rights principles embedded in the Sustainable Development Goals. The outcome will be a significant indicator of the commitment to building just and inclusive institutions that protect, rather than harm, the most vulnerable members of society.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The article discusses a recovery program for individuals “struggling with substance use and addiction.” The alleged abuse occurred within a facility, “Casa Vida de Salud,” designed to provide treatment and promote well-being, directly connecting the events to health services and mental health outcomes.

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  While this goal often focuses on women and girls, its core principle is to eliminate all forms of violence and exploitation. The article details severe allegations of sexual violence, including grooming, assault, and coercion against individuals. The issue of sexual abuse is a key component of SDG 5.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  This goal is central to the article, which revolves around a “civil lawsuit” seeking justice and accountability. It highlights the failure of institutions—the recovery program and the church—to protect vulnerable people. The victims’ pursuit of legal recourse and the alleged abuse of power by an authority figure directly relate to themes of justice, violence reduction, and institutional accountability.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
     
     The article is set within a “residential and sober living recovery programs for those struggling with substance use and addiction.” The failure of this program to provide a safe environment, leading to abuse instead of recovery, demonstrates a breakdown in the quality and safety of substance abuse treatment.

2. SDG 5: Gender Equality

   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
     
     Although the victims are men, this target’s principle of eliminating sexual violence and exploitation is applicable. The lawsuit alleges the men were “groomed, assaulted,” “coerced, and sexually abused,” which are explicit forms of sexual violence and exploitation that this target aims to eradicate for all people.

3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
     
     The “sexual assault” described in the lawsuit is a severe form of violence that this target seeks to reduce.
   • Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
     
     The principles of ending abuse and exploitation are directly relevant. The article states the victims were “vulnerable, court-mandated residents” who were allegedly “groomed, coerced, and sexually abused,” fitting the description of abuse and exploitation of a vulnerable population.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
     
     The filing of the “civil lawsuit” is a direct action to access the justice system. The statement, “These men deserve their day in court,” explicitly calls for access to justice. The perpetrator’s alleged threat, “No one would believe an addict,” highlights a significant barrier to equal justice for marginalized groups.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
     
     The article points to a severe failure of institutional accountability. The lawsuit claims the institutions involved were “failing to act on complaints or red flags, and allowing the abuse to continue.” An attorney’s statement that “The facility knew. The church leadership knew. No one stepped in,” underscores the call for accountability that is central to this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article, being a news report on a specific event, does not contain official statistical indicators. However, it provides information that can be seen as qualitative or case-specific examples of indicators.

1. For SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being)

   • Implied Indicator for Target 3.5: The existence and capacity of substance abuse treatment facilities. The article mentions “Casa Vida, a 37-bed residential recovery center,” which serves as a data point on the availability of such services in the community.

2. For SDG 5 & 16 (Violence)

   • Implied Indicator for Targets 5.2 & 16.1: Prevalence of sexual violence. The article reports on “five former residents” who allege they were sexually abused, providing a specific number of victims in this single case, which contributes to a broader understanding of the prevalence of such violence.

3. For SDG 16 (Justice and Strong Institutions)

   • Implied Indicator for Target 16.3: The population’s access to formal justice mechanisms. The “civil lawsuit filed in April” is a concrete example of citizens using the legal system to seek redress and can be counted as an instance of justice being sought.
   • Implied Indicator for Target 16.6: The effectiveness of institutional oversight and complaint mechanisms. The article implies a failure in this area, citing claims that the institutions “knew” about the problem but failed to act. The lawsuit itself serves as an indicator of a breakdown in internal accountability, requiring external legal intervention.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: kfoxtv.com