BishopAccountability.org
	Judge: Diocese's Records Policy Is Fair By Cameron Clark WLUK March 4, 2011 http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/local/fox_cities/Motions-hearing-in-priest-abuse-case [with video] An Outagamie County Judge ruled in favor of the Green Bay Catholic Diocese in a case dealing with a pedophile priest. Judge Nancy Krueger denied a request to reprimand the diocese for destroying documents of possible priest abuse cases. The specific case is a civil lawsuit involving brothers Troy and Todd Merryfield, originally of Freedom. Former priest John Feeney was convicted in 2004 of sexually abusing the brothers more than 30 years ago. The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), is among those accusing the Green Bay Catholic Diocese not only of knowing about the abuse, but destroying documents to cover it up. "So in a way the diocese got away with it," said Peter Isley, SNAP's Midwest Director. "They've gotten away with their fraud. They came up with a policy in anticipation of the law changing and they destroyed the evidence." The diocese says any records that were destroyed were done so by its policy that was set in place before the allegations began. It says that includes files one year after a priest dies, as well as pshycological and other medical record. The diocese says that is according to privacy laws. However, it says no files are destroyed if there is pending litigation or claims. "The diocese has a very reasonable record retention policy that we have been following it," said Deacon Tim Reilly, the diocese's Director of Administration. "In no situation have we destroyed evidence, any materials that were relevant to this case." Judge Krueger called the diocese's policy "reasonable" in her ruling, denying the motion concerning all files of alleged abusive priests. "Things the diocese may have been allowed to do under the law, but are hazardous to children," said Isley. The case is scheduled to go to a jury trial next year. Although the Merryfields' attorney says he may ask for that to be rescheduled after this ruling.
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