Look for the latest chapter in the sex scandal that continues to dog the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to play out in court today.
The Rev. Monsignor William Lynn, two priests and a former priest, all of whom face criminal charges connected to the most recent grand jury investigation, face a pre-trial hearing.
But there could be fireworks over last weekend’s publication of secret grand jury testimony.
After excerpts appeared in the Inquirer on Sunday, a judge hastily halted any further release of the information.
But you can expect lawyers for the accused to be in court today arguing that the widespread dissemination of that information will make it impossible for their clients to get a fair trial here.
The grand jury report frames a condemnation of the actions of the former head of the archdiocese, Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua. The cardinal is seen as a crafty attorney who constantly dodged questions posed by the grand jury. He did not seem so much concerned about the possible victims of sexual abuse as he did about protecting the church.
And he also points an accusatory finger at Lynn, saying he left many crucial decisions up to the monsignor.
Lynn is not on trial for abuse charges, but rather recklessly endangering the welfare of children. In effect that his actions, which involved moving priests from one parish to another, put kids in harm’s way at the hands of problem priests.
Stay tuned for what could be a pivotal day in court for the case today.
The Rev. Monsignor William Lynn, two priests and a former priest, all of whom face criminal charges connected to the most recent grand jury investigation, face a pre-trial hearing.
But there could be fireworks over last weekend’s publication of secret grand jury testimony.
After excerpts appeared in the Inquirer on Sunday, a judge hastily halted any further release of the information.
But you can expect lawyers for the accused to be in court today arguing that the widespread dissemination of that information will make it impossible for their clients to get a fair trial here.
The grand jury report frames a condemnation of the actions of the former head of the archdiocese, Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua. The cardinal is seen as a crafty attorney who constantly dodged questions posed by the grand jury. He did not seem so much concerned about the possible victims of sexual abuse as he did about protecting the church.
And he also points an accusatory finger at Lynn, saying he left many crucial decisions up to the monsignor.
Lynn is not on trial for abuse charges, but rather recklessly endangering the welfare of children. In effect that his actions, which involved moving priests from one parish to another, put kids in harm’s way at the hands of problem priests.
Stay tuned for what could be a pivotal day in court for the case today.
Comments