TUCSON (AZ)
KVOA
A federal bankruptcy judge has approved a plan by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson to sell some 85 properties to settle claims filed by people who say they were sexually abused by priests.
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge James M. Marlar gave diocesan officials the go-ahead during a hearing Monday after none of the creditors objected to the marketing plan and sale, which is expected to take place in about eight weeks.
The diocese is considering selling the land in a live public auction. The land is expected to raise at least $3.2 million to go into a fund for plaintiffs with valid claims of clergy sexual abuse.
The diocese's Chapter 11 reorganization plan calls for the creation of a fund to "equitably" pay all plaintiffs with valid claims of abuse.
Posted by kshaw at March 22, 2005 07:55 AM