BURLINGTON (KY)
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette
By Brett Barrouquere
Associated Press
BURLINGTON, Ky. – A judge granted preliminary approval Tuesday to the nation’s largest settlement in the church abuse scandal, authorizing a $120 million agreement between the Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington and hundreds of victims of child-molesting priests and other employees.
The decision by Judge John W. Potter makes immediately available $40 million from diocese assets. The victims and the diocese are suing two insurance companies for the remaining $80 million.
Potter’s ruling allows the church and the plaintiffs’ lawyers to begin advertising the settlement and sets a Nov. 10 deadline for claims to be filed.
“It’s such a sensitive issue,” plaintiffs’ attorney Stan Chesley said. “It’s the best way to know we have a measure of justice.”