* update on the Philadelphia trial of Monsignor Lynn and his co-defendants

Monsignor Lynn & Phila District Attorney R. Seth Williams

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see prior posts …

* finally … the first U.S. prosecutor with the guts to prosecute the demons of the Catholic Church who have for so long covered-up the sexual abuse of children by priests … unfortunately, it seems that Philadelphia Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua is now beyond the reach of the criminal prosecution he likely deserves

* the Philadelphia archdiocese will pay legal fees for the monsignor accused of covering up sexual abuse but not for priests accused of committing such abuse … the church, as always, cares more about its own exalted and corrupt hierarchy than it does about the abuse of its innocent children … yet it is the cover-up which has allowed such heinous behavior to flourish for decades within the walls of Catholic institutions

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Dave Warner writes for Reuters (3/25/11) …

• Dismissing arguments by defense attorneys, Common Pleas Judge Renee Cardwell Hughes told Monsignor William Lynn and his four co-defendants they would proceed directly to trial in the priest pedophilia case.
• A clearly irritated judge also issued a gag order on lawyers for both sides, instructing them not to grant interviews or appear in the media. Her ruling was based on the “extraordinary” number of interviews already conducted by both sides over the last two weeks.
• Hughes issued several other rulings, including allowing the district attorney to file a conspiracy charge against the defendants and to allow Brennan to be prosecuted in Philadelphia even though his lawyers argued that none of the incidents he is charged with took place in Philadelphia.
• The judge also sharply questioned Lynn about his use of two attorneys paid by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
  • She asked whether he understood that his personal interest might differ from the Archdiocese’s interest in the case. She also asked whether he was aware he faced up to 28 years in prison if he is convicted of all counts against him.
  • “You understand, that this is a natural conflict of interest?” Hughes asked. Lynn remained firm in his decision to retain the church-paid attorneys.
• He and his four co-defendants are scheduled for formal arraignment on the charges on April 15.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/25/us-church-abuse-idUSTRE72O6QW20110325

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