Monday, June 18, 2012
Pa. priest-abuse jury returns for Day 10 of talks
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A Philadelphia jury is resuming deliberations for a 10th day on the fate of two Roman Catholic priests.
Monsignor William Lynn is the first U.S. church official charged over his handling of child sexual abuse complaints. He faces up to 21 years in prison if convicted of conspiracy and child endangerment for allegedly helping the Philadelphia archdiocese cover up the complaints. However, an appeal seems likely if he’s convicted.
The Rev. James Brennan is charged with attempted rape and child endangerment. His accuser says he was molested in 1996. Brennan’s lawyer calls him a con man.
The deliberations, which are restarting today, follow 10 weeks of evidence.
Jurors have asked more than two dozen questions, repeatedly asking for help with the law on conspiracy and endangerment.