SPOKANE (WA)
KGW
02/02/2006
Associated Press
WHAT HAPPENED: The Roman Catholic Diocese of Spokane offered a $45.7 million settlement to 75 victims of sexual abuse by priests in a deal that also includes reforms designed to reduce the chances that molestations will occur again.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN: Accepting the settlement would end litigation by the 75 people, but at least 15 other people have indicated they were abused by priests in the Spokane Diocese and may seek money.
WHAT'S NEXT: The Spokane Diocese has 30 days to submit a motion to U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Patricia Williams, who must approve the deal. The 75 plaintiffs have 120 days to decide if they will accept the settlement. Rejection would put the parties back into negotiations or on the path to trial.