Defense Rests in Clergy Abuse Trial

By Tony Hanson
CBS Philly
May 30, 2012

http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2012/05/30/defense-rests-in-clergy-abuse-trial/


PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The defense has rested in the clergy sexual abuse case, and closing arguments are expected tomorrow. The defense rested yesterday after presenting a flurry of character witnesses on behalf of monsignor William Lynn and father James Brennan.

Monsignor William Lynn, charged with endangering children by allowing dangerous priests to remain in ministry, and Father James Brennan, who is charged with sexually assaulting a teen, both have pleaded not guilty.

And yesterday a series of witnesses, family and friends, priests and nuns, parishioners and former students, told the jury Monsignor Lynn and Brennan have excellent reputations. Earlier in the day, Lynn completed his testimony, conceding diagnosed pedophile priests and other priests he had found guilty of sexual abuse of minors remained in ministry. One, Edward Avery, later sexually assaulted another teen.

Lynn told the jury he was sorry about that but he wasn't in charge of priest placements.