Group Says Milwaukee Archdiocese Misled Victims

Channel 3000
February 7, 2012

www.channel3000.com/news/30401499/detail.html

Archdiocese Files Motion To Dismiss Some Claims

MILWAUKEE -- A group representing victims of clergy abuse is asking the Milwaukee Catholic archdiocese to withdraw motions to dismiss some of the nearly 570 restitution claims in its bankruptcy case.

The archdiocese has filed motions in three cases asking they be dismissed because they were either filed beyond the statute of limitations, involved someone who was not an archdiocese employee or involved a victim who already received a settlement. A hearing is set for Thursday.

The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests estimated the archdiocese's arguments could ultimately get 95 percent of the cases dismissed. They claim the archdiocese misled victims because it never mentioned eligibility restrictions.

The archbishop's chief of staff Jerry Topczewski said the archdiocese has always been clear that it would fight some claims.