Lynn on Waiting List for Electronic Bracelet, but No Decision on House Arrest
Newsworks
Monsignor William Lynn is in jail until July 5 at least. Judge M. Teresa Sarmina is considering granting Monsignor William Lynn house arrest while he awaits sentencing. Last week Lynn was convicted of one count of child endangerment for failing to prevent other priests from sexually abusing children. The judge did not grant the request, but said she would consider it if Lynn would sign an extradition waiver covering any country, including the Vatican, which doesn't have an extradition treaty with the United States. She is also reviewing the house arrest conditions, including that Lynn double his cash bail to $10,000 on $100,000 bond. The judge has not made a decision, but put Lynn in line to receive an electronic bracelet for house arrest; a process that could take several weeks. Lynn sat slumped in the chair at the defense table as his attorneys argued that he should be given an opportunity to stay with a Philadelphia relative until his sentencing August 13th. "He'll sign it, he doesn't want to go to Spain, he doesn't want to go to France, he doesn't want to go to the Vatican, he doesn't want to go to anywhere," said Tom Bergstrom, one of Lynn's attorneys. "He wants to go to Saint Joe's Parish in Downingtown someday . . . maybe." Lynn had been serving that Downingtown parish until he was indicted. He was prosecuted for his actions while serving as secretary for clergy in the Philadelphia Archdiocese. Prosecutor Mark Cipolletti says after a few days behind bars, Lynn is a serious flight risk. "Now he knows what it's like he's spent a few days and nights there. It probably isn't the most pleasant of experiences and it gives even greater concern for the commonwealth and the citizens for him to try to potentially flee to avoid further prosecution and to avoid the repercussions for what he has done," said Cipolletti. Cipolletti cites a Chicago Tribune article saying 32 priests have fled the country when facing criminal charges, mostly before the trial began. Lynn offered to surrender his passport. The hearing will continue on July 5th.
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