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	Diocese Transferring Files in Abuse Scandal Union-Tribune February 16, 2009 http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/feb/16/1m16priests001256-diocese-transferring-files-abuse/ The Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego began transferring files about priests accused of molesting parishioners over decades to a secure computer site yesterday, said a lawyer who represents abuse claimants. None of the information was provided to attorneys for victims, said the lawyer, Irwin Zalkin. “What we're going to get is a log of their objections to releasing documents,” Zalkin said. “Only attorneys for the diocese have seen the actual files.” “We'll confer with lawyers for the diocese, and if we can't agree, we'll have a hearing before Judge (William) Pate, and he'll be the final arbiter about what to release.” Seeking access to the files are lawyers for the plaintiffs who filed more than 120 lawsuits against the diocese, beginning in 2003. Retired Judge William C. Pate is overseeing the production of the files and has laid out a process that allows living priests to challenge release of any or all information about them. It could take up to six months to resolve, Zalkin said. Files on roughly 60 priests who had served in the diocese since the 1950s could be included, Zalkin said. The debate is the latest step in litigation about the sexual abuse scandal in San Diego. In September 2007, the diocese agreed to settle the lawsuits filed against it for $198 million.
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