Philly DA Drops Priest's Rape Case; Accuser Died

The Associated Press
October 23, 2013

http://www.capitalgazette.com/news/region/philly-da-drops-priest-s-rape-case-accuser-died/article_063989fa-4062-5113-ad83-7db937c200fb.html

Philadelphia prosecutors will drop rape charges against a suspended priest because the 26-year-old accuser has died of an overdose.

District Attorney Seth Williams announced the decision regarding the Rev. Robert Brennan with the family of accuser Sean McIlmail by his side.

The family wants McIlmail's name publicized in the hope that sexual abuse victims will get help. The Associated Press does not usually identify sexual abuse victims.

Williams say there is not enough other evidence to go forward with the case, which was filed after McIlmail contacted authorities this year.

An explosive 2005 Philadelphia grand jury report says Brennan was named in more than 20 complaints about inappropriate behavior around children.

He was suspended by the church, and moved to Perryville, Md.

Defense lawyer Trevan Borum says the 75-year-old Brennan had hoped to clear his name at trial.