TUCSON (AZ)
The Arizona Republic
Associated Press
Aug. 24, 2005 12:00 AM
TUCSON - Victims of sexual abuse by clergy could start receiving settlement checks from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson as early as October, attorneys said Tuesday.
The payments stem from the diocese's bankruptcy case and will be limited to victims whom a bankruptcy judge had previously authorized to receive them.
During a brief court hearing Tuesday, Judge James Marlar approved previously announced settlements totaling more than $5 million from three insurance companies and $2 million from the diocese's parishes. advertisement
The money will go into a pool of more than $22 million that the diocese will make available to cover claims under its reorganization plan finalized in July. The diocese was the second in the nation to file for Chapter 11 protection in the face of litigation stemming from alleged sexual abuse by priests.
Marlar entered a written order Aug. 1 approving the reorganization plan and settlements, and the soonest that checks could be issued would be 60 days later.