NEW JERSEY
1010 WINS
Feb 15, 2005 12:06 pm US/Eastern
(1010 WINS) (MORRISTOWN, N.J.) Over two dozen men who claimed they were molested as boys by Roman Catholic priests have reached a $5 million settlement with the Diocese of Paterson, their lawyer announced Tuesday.
The deal, which represents the largest payout by a New Jersey diocese in a clergy sex abuse case, also provides four years of counseling for the men, said the lawyer, Gregory G. Gianforcaro.
He represents 26 men. It was not immediately known if a case brought by another man was also resolved.
The lawyer thanked the new leader of the diocese, Bishop Arthur Serratelli, for taking steps that led to the settlement.
"I am convinced that he is a kind and compassionate man who is trying to assist the victims in their healing," Gianforcaro said.