In Philadelphia, a Catholic cleric was sentenced to 3-6 years in prison last week for endangering children. Monsignor William J. Lynn was accused of having prior knowledge of sexual abuse that was taking place by priests in his church and did nothing to report their sexual misconduct. Common Pleas Court claim that this man was in the position to turn in “monsters in clerical garb” to the authorities, and yet he allowed the sexual abuse to continue right under his nose.
This man is the first clergyman that has been accused of allowing sexual abuse to continue. Originally he faced seven years in prison as requested by the prosecution, though his sentencing now states that he is required to serve three years before he can apply for a probation plea. He served time as a clergyman for twelve-year between 1992 and 2004 and he claims that he believes he failed to protect the people in his church during the twelve-year period, and he expresses remorse.
Trials for this case began in 2002, and his lawyers claimed that while he didn’t attempt to stop the sexual abuse, he is no longer a threat to the community. Those who have been victims say otherwise. The Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests still claim that he poses as a great threat to others. The court chose to conduct a retrial in a case of one of the priest’s under Lynn, Reverend James J. Brennan who was accused of rape of a teenage boy. This boy, now thirty years old, has agreed to testify against Brennan confirming the sexual abuse not only to himself but also to others within the church. The court needed to hear that the boy wasn’t the only victim, but that throughout the years Brennan was sexually abusing children.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of the tragic crime of sexual abuse, contact the offices of Lanier Law Group, P.A. to receive the legal representation you deserve!