Diocese's Merryfield Appeal under Way

By Chad Doran
Fox 11
July 17, 2012

http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/local/fox_cities/green-bay-catholic-dioceses-merryfield-appeal-under-way


APPLETON - The Catholic Diocese of Green Bay is appealing a $700,000 verdict awarded to two brothers who were molested by a former priest.

In May, a jury in Outagamie County made the award to Todd and Troy Merryfield. The brothers were molested by former priest John Feeney in 1978. Feeney was convicted in 2004.

The Diocese filed over 100 pages of motions with Judge Nancy Krueger. Among them are motions to dismiss the verdict and a motion for a new trial based on alleged bias of a jury member.

Attorneys for the diocese are arguing that a juror alerted the court after the trial was over about comments another juror made that could have been perceived as bias against the Diocese.

The trial jury awarded Todd Merryfield $225,000 and his brother Troy $475,000. The brothers dropped their claim for punitive damages following the verdict.

FOX 11's Chad Doran is in court today and will have the latest details tonight on FOX 11 News at Five.