Monsignor Lynn in Court Today to Appeal in Philly Priest-Abuse Conviction

By Maryclaire Dale
Daily Times
September 17, 2013

http://www.delcotimes.com/general-news/20130917/monsignor-lynn-in-court-today-to-appeal-in-philly-priest-abuse-conviction

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A Pennsylvania appeals court is being asked to throw out a Roman Catholic church official’s landmark conviction for his handling of priest-abuse complaints.

Monsignor William Lynn is serving three to six years in prison after his felony child-endangerment conviction last year.

Defense lawyers have long argued that Lynn was charged under a 2007 law, although he left his post at the Philadelphia archdiocese in 2004. They will make the argument anew Tuesday in Superior Court in Philadelphia.

Lynn served as secretary of clergy for 12 years. Prosecutors say he transferred accused pedophile-priests to unsuspecting parishes, thereby endangering more children.

But defense lawyers say the endangerment law in effect during his tenure applied only to parents, guardians and caregivers.

The law was changed in 2007 to include those who supervise abusers.