Newark archbishop hires top criminal lawyer
May 10, 2013
The Archdiocese of Newark, has retained a prominent criminal-defense lawyer, as New Jersey prosecutors continue to raise questions about the activity of a priest who was engaged in youth ministry.
Father Michael Fugee, who resigned from priestly ministry last week, was found to have participated in youth retreats, despite an agreement with prosecutors that barred him from unsupervised work with young people. Both the priest and the Newark archdiocese had consented to that agreement in order to avoid prosecution of Father Fugee on abuse charges.
With questions now arising as to whether Fugee and/or archdiocesan officials could face legal consequences for apparent violations of the agreement, the archdiocese has hired noted attorney Michael Critchley to assist with the case. A local prosecutor said that Critchley had been “cooperative and forthright” in responding to inquiries.
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Further information:
- Newark Archdiocese hires renowned defense lawyer amid former Wyckoff priest investigation (The Record)
- Embattled Newark priest resigns from active ministry (CWN, 5/3)
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Posted by: John J Plick -
May. 13, 2013 11:58 AM ET USA
And from whom is the Most Reverend attempting to defend himself, against the children perhaps…?; against OUR children… perhaps? And if he should “lose” this case, I would think personally that he would be on far safer ground…., particularly if he was truly innocent…. But should he “win” the case… and maintains his socio/ecclesiastical status…?, he could stand to “lose” far more than his position… JP
