PHILADELPHIA (PA)
CBS Philly
By Tony Hanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Opening statements are scheduled for today in an unprecedented case: the trial of a priest who allegedly raped a boy, and a Monsignor who is charged with endangering children as part of what authorities say was a Philadelphia Archdiocese-wide criminal conspiracy. The defendants have pleaded not guilty. But, before the trial starts, the judge must determine if jurors have been tainted by a co-defendant’s guilty plea last week.
The prosecution alleges Monsignor William Lynn, Secretary for Clergy reviewed secret archives, containing allegations and admissions of sexual abuse by dozens of priests, but he allowed them to remain in ministry to abuse children.
According to prosecutors, Monsignor Lynn and other church officials were concerned about scandal and lawsuits, but what was missing was concern for children.
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