BURLINGTON (KY)
Cincinnati Enquirer
By Jim Hannah
Enquirer staff writer
BURLINGTON - The architects of a proposed settlement in the nation's first class-action lawsuit alleging priest sexual abuse must wait a little longer to get a court's approval.
A hearing in Boone Circuit Court seeking preliminary approval has been moved to July 5. It was previously scheduled for today.
After expressing concerns about an earlier draft of the settlement, Senior Judge John Potter has asked lawyers to return with a proposal that makes it clear to victims that $80 million of the record-breaking $120 million settlement is contingent on the diocese winning a federal lawsuit against its insurance carriers.
The class-action suit, filed in 2003, accuses the diocese of a 50-year coverup of sexual abuse by priests and other employees. It is unclear how many people are part of the class action, but Potter has ordered a "census" to be conducted to determine the exact number of victims who will come forward.
Stan Chesley, the lead counsel for the plaintiffs, told The Enquirer's editorial board Wednesday that he was working to address all the judge's concerns