Accused priest's lawyer charges Philadelphia archdiocese making him a scapegoat

January 26, 2012

The lawyer for a Philadelphia priest facing criminal charges in connection with sex-abuse complaints has charged that the Philadelphia archdiocese is using his client as a scapegoat for the problem.

In an evidence hearing, prosecutors attempted to show that Msgr. William Lynn, who had served the Philadelphia archdiocese as secretary for clergy, repeatedly ignored complaints of priests’ misconduct. In response, the accused priest’s lawyer said that other priests were saddling Msgr. Lynn with the blame for a wider problem. The prosecutors have stated that the Philadelphia archdiocese can be considered an “unindicted co-conspirator” in the case.

When presented with a letter from one priest, Msgr. Timothy Senior, who complained that Msgr. Lynn had not fully investigated an allegation, the priest’s lawyer observed: “Maybe that's an answer to why Msgr. Senior is not here (as a defendant). He obviously doesn't mind throwing Monsignor Lynn under the bus."

 

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Further information:

• Lawyer: Pa. church official threw peer 'under bus' (AP)
• Accused priest was carrying out Philadelphia archdiocesan policy, lawyers argue (CWN, 1/24)