Convicted Pa. Monsignor Again Seeks Bail during Appeal; Serving 3 to 6 Years for Endangerment

The Republic
August 15, 2012

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/f08229ed50df4431894ab341269c4184/PA--Priest-Abuse-Trial

PHILADELPHIA — An imprisoned Roman Catholic monsignor is again seeking bail while he appeals what defense lawyers call his novel and controversial child-endangerment conviction.

The lawyers say Monsignor William Lynn has a good chance of having his landmark case overturned because of alleged trial errors.

In a Superior Court petition filed Wednesday, they complain the judge let in weeks of evidence about accused priests not on trial.

And they say Philadelphia Common Pleas Judge M. Teresa Sarmina botched jury instructions.

The 61-year-old Lynn is the first U.S. church official convicted of endangering children by keeping predators in ministry.

He's serving a three- to six-year sentence handed down last month.

A spokeswoman says the District Attorney's Office has no comment on Lynn's petition.

Sarmina has denied similar requests for bail.