Trial opens in Pennsylvania sex-abuse scandal

March 26, 2012

The trial of a Philadelphia priest charged with endangering children by covering up evidence of sexual abuse opens in Pennsylvania on March 26.

Msgr. William Lynn, who was secretary for clergy in the Philadelphia archdiocese under the late Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua, is the first American diocesan official to face felony charges for allegedly protecting abusive priests from prosecution. Prosecutors charge that he engaged in a conspiracy to suppress evidence of abuse.

 

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Further information:

• Philadelphia priest abuse trial to open, targeting archdiocese's higher-up (CNN)
• Landmark Philly priest-abuse trial starts; 1 plea may shake up strategy to attack accusers (AP)