PHILADELPHIA (PA)
TheMediaReport
Dave Pierre
Ten years … Three grand jury reports … One trial … 11 weeks of testimony … More than 60 witnesses … A trial judge who gave so much favoritism to one side that she was actually described as “often mistaken for a member of the prosecution team.” … 13 days of jury deliberations.
What were the results of the charges against the two high-profile defendants in this months-long landmark Philadelphia criminal trial? Let’s look:
Msgr. William J. Lynn
– Conspiracy charge #1 (w/ ex-priest Edward Avery): Not guilty
– Conspiracy charge #2 (w/ Rev. Brennan): Dismissed, May 2012
– Endangering the welfare of a child #1 (re: Edward Avery): Guilty
– Endangering the welfare of a child #2 (re: Rev. Brennan): Not guilty
Rev. James J. Brennan
– Conspiracy charge (w/ Msgr. William J. Lynn): Dismissed, May 2012
– Attempted rape (a reduced charge): Deadlocked jury
– Endangering the welfare of a child: Deadlocked jury
In other words, of all the numerous charges sent to a jury, only one charge was returned as a guilty verdict, and it was against a senior priest who left his diocesan secretary position eight years ago.
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