Opening Statements in Clergy Sex Abuse Trial Set to Begin Today

By Tony Hanson
CBS Philly
March 26, 2012

http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2012/03/26/opening-statements-in-clergy-sex-abuse-trial-set-to-begin-today/

Msgr. William Lynn, on his way into court with his attorney last April

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Opening statements are scheduled for today in an unprecedented case: the trial of a priest who allegedly raped a boy, and a Monsignor who is charged with endangering children as part of what authorities say was a Philadelphia Archdiocese-wide criminal conspiracy. The defendants have pleaded not guilty. But, before the trial starts, the judge must determine if jurors have been tainted by a co-defendant's guilty plea last week.

The prosecution alleges Monsignor William Lynn, Secretary for Clergy reviewed secret archives, containing allegations and admissions of sexual abuse by dozens of priests, but he allowed them to remain in ministry to abuse children.

According to prosecutors, Monsignor Lynn and other church officials were concerned about scandal and lawsuits, but what was missing was concern for children.

But Monsignor Lynn's attorneys have argued he took steps to deal with clergy abuse, but he had no power to do anything else, because of an overarching Archdiocesan conspiracy involving multiple church officials, but not Monsignor Lynn. Monsignor Lynn, and father James Brennan, who is charged with raping a 14-year-old, both have pleaded not guilty.

Edward Avery, 69, who sat alongside Lynn and Brennan during jury selection, is now out of the case, after he pleaded guilty and was been sentenced to 2.5-5 years in prison.

The prosecution says he has not agreed to testify against his fellow defendants.

But, attorneys for Lynn and Brennan have cited the local and national coverage of the Avery development, saying there is no way jurors could have avoided it and not been prejudiced by it.

The judge is expected to make a ruling when the case begins, today.