MILWAUKEE (WI)
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
By Annysa Johnson of the Journal Sentinel
The Archdiocese of Milwaukee can proceed with its efforts to throw out 11 sex abuse claims filed in its ongoing bankruptcy, a judge ruled this week.
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Susan V. Kelley on Wednesday refused to stay motions filed by the archdiocese arguing for the dismissal of those claims, over the objections of victims’ attorneys.
Jeffrey Anderson, whose firm represents most of the 575 who have filed sex abuse claims in the case, pleaded with Kelley to stay the motions, saying the archdiocese’s efforts to “pick off” survivors exacts an emotional toll. Kelley rejected that, saying she is sympathetic to the pain of victims but also is required to apply the law in the bankruptcy case.
“I am sensitive — and you know that I am, attorney Anderson — to the plight of the survivors…. But at this point, I have to apply the law,” she said.
The archdiocese filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January 2011 to address its mounting sex abuse claims.
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