NEWARK (NJ)
Philadelphia Inquirer
By Jeffrey Gold
Associated Press
NEWARK, N.J. - A $5 million settlement for 27 men who alleged that Roman Catholic priests in the Paterson Diocese had molested them could be completed by early next week, a person involved in the case says.
If all the plaintiffs sign on, the sum would be the largest payout by a New Jersey diocese in a clergy sex-abuse case. The deal also would provide four years of counseling for the men, said the person, who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
Most of the men stated they were violated as boys from 1968 to 1982 by James Hanley, who served in three North Jersey parishes. He was removed from the priesthood in 2002, 17 years after church officials learned of complaints against him.
The men sued 13 months ago, contending that church officials, including former Bishop Frank Rodimer, had failed to protect youngsters.
Posted by kshaw at February 11, 2005 07:39 AM