Landmark Philly Priest Sex Abuse Case Begins

By Maryclaire Dale
KSRO
March 26, 2012

http://www.ksro.com/news/article.aspx?id=2037468

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The high-ranking Roman Catholic official charged with shuffling predator priests to unwitting parishes has pleaded not guilty in front of a Philadelphia jury as the landmark case against him and a priest begins.

The trial of Monsignor William Lynn and the Rev. James Brennan began Monday morning after a brief delay. Opening statements are next.

A defrocked priest who had been a co-defendant in the case entered a surprise guilty plea last week following weeks of legal wrangling in the case. Defense attorneys had asked for a new jury, saying it could be tainted if jurors learned of Avery's plea.