Catholic Priest Convicted in Sex Abuse Case

For the first time ever in the U.S. a jury in Philadelphia has convicted a Roman Catholic clergyman on one charge of child endangerment related to the child sex abuse scandal that has rocked the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Monsignor William Lynn was found guilty of helping the Philadelphia Archdiocese keep predators in ministry, and the public in the dark, by telling parishes their priests were being removed for health reasons and then sending the men to unsuspecting churches.

That was the allegation of prosecutors who also charged Lynn, 61, with two counts of conspiracy. The jury deadlocked on the conspiracy charge. Lynn was immediately led out of the courtroom in handcuffs and off to a Philadelphia jail.

Read a full account of the trial, verdicts and history of the case from The Associated Press that is posted on The Huffington Post.

According to The Associated Press Lynn, 61, had faced about 10 to 20 years in prison if convicted of all three counts he faced – conspiracy and two counts of child endangerment. He was convicted only on one of the endangerment counts, leaving him with the possibility of 3 1/2 to seven years in prison.

The jury could not agree on a verdict for Lynn's co-defendant, the Rev. James Brennan, who was accused of sexually abusing a 14-year-old boy.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia issued a statement shortly after the verdict which reads:

This has been a difficult time for all Catholics, especially victims of sexual abuse.    The lessons of the last year have made our Church a more vigilant guardian of our people's safety. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is on a journey of reform and renewal that requires honesty and hope.  We are committed to providing support and assistance to parishioners as they and the Church seek to more deeply understand sexual violence, and to create an environment that is safe and welcoming to all, including past victims. 

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia offers a heartfelt apology to all victims of clergy sexual abuse.  Now and in the future, the Church will continue to take vigorous steps to ensure safe church environments for all the faithful in Philadelphia.

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