Judge May Release Pa. Monsignor, If Vatican Will Honor Extradition Waiver If He Flees

By Maryclaire Dale
In-Forum
June 26, 2012

http://www.inforum.com/event/apArticle/id/D9VKUPS80/

A judge might release a convicted Roman Catholic priest to await sentencing if the Vatican will honor his waiver of extradition if he flees.

Monsignor William Lynn could be released on house arrest if the conditions are met. The judge also would double his bail to $100,000. The judge will reconsider Lynn's request for release July 5.

Lynn is set for sentencing Aug. 13 after he was convicted of felony child endangerment.

He faces about 3-1/2 to seven years in prison. His lawyers say he is not a flight risk.

Prosecutors say at least 35 priests have fled during criminal cases, but most apparently fled before trial, often to their native country.

The 61-year-old Lynn is the first U.S. church official convicted in the cover-up of child sex-abuse complaints.