March 23, 2005

Negotiations resume in priest abuse suit

COVINGTON (KY)
Cincinnati Post

By Paul A. Long
Post staff reporter

The judge overseeing a class-action lawsuit alleging the Diocese of Covington covered up a half-century of sexual abuse by priests has ordered both sides back to the bargaining table.

Special Judge John Potter on Tuesday told the diocese to bring representatives of both its insurance carriers to the next settlement negotiations.

Both sides should have a "representative authorized to settle," he said.

Potter's comments at the end of a 90-minute hearing were the first indication that all may not be well with negotiations.

The suit is being mediated by Kenneth Feinberg, the special master for the September 11th Victims Compensation Fund.

Posted by kshaw at March 23, 2005 07:39 AM