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	Fairbanks Diocese Agrees to $10 Million Abuse Settlement By Mary Beth Smetzer News-Miner November 24, 2009 http://newsminer.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Fairbanks+Diocese+agrees+to+-10+million+abuse+ settlement+%20&id=4766627-Fairbanks+Diocese+agrees+to+-10+million+abuse+settlement+&instance=home_ news_window_left_top_3 FAIRBANKS — The details are still being worked out, but the Catholic Diocese of Fairbanks has reached an economic settlement of almost $10 million with a committee representing almost 300 alleged sex abuse victims. Attorneys on both sides spoke at a status hearing held in federal bankruptcy court in Anchorage on Tuesday afternoon before Judge Donald McDonald. Terms of the agreement are being fine-tuned and will be heard by the judge before the settlement is finalized, most likely in January. The settlement figure totals $9.8 million to be paid to the creditor committee. The diocese, parishes and Monroe Foundation are providing approximately $8.3 million of the amount, and another $1.4 million is being paid out by Alaska National Insurance. "We're pleased that we have hit this milestone in the reorganization efforts and look forward to working with the creditors committee to make sure the insurance carriers fulfill their responsibilities," said Diocesan Chancellor Robert Hannon, referring to two insurers who have yet to settle, Catholic Mutual and Travelers. An attorney for Catholic Mutual in attendance Tuesday attempted to slow the settlement's momentum, since his client was not involved in the recent settlement discussions and there might be changes that affect them and need their perusal. His objections were noted, but as James Stang, attorney for the creditors committee said, neither Catholic Mutual nor Travelers had made an effort to join in mediation negotiations with either side for months. Attorney for the diocese Susan Boswell said the diocese would file an amended disclosure statement and reorganization plan with the court no later than Dec. 11. Anchorage attorney Ken Roosa said he was pleased on behalf of the 240 clients he represents since litigation with the diocese began seven years ago. "Unless they be forgotten, (victims) are very interested in seeing this settled. I do not exaggerate when I say that people have died waiting for this." Compensation from the $9.8 million will be handled by an appointed neutral party that will evaluate the claims to determine how the money should be divided because of the severity of injury, then make individual awards, Roosa said. "Some claims may be completely denied," he said. Once the settlement is concluded, Roosa said, there might be more litigation ahead for the victims. The two insurance companies who held policies with the diocese at different times during the past five decades have yet to settle claims and might opt to take the matter to court. Attorneys and McDonald had high praise for retired Judge William Bettinelli, calling him "tireless" in his role as mediator between the creditors committee and the diocese to bringing both sides to a mutually acceptable conclusion. Contact staff writer Mary Beth Smetzer at 459-7546.
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