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Monday, March 07, 2011

Philadelphia archdiocese to face new claims in child sex abuse allegations


Attorneys said they will announce a new lawsuit Monday against the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, which has been the subject of a two-year grand jury investigation into claims officials ignored and covered up sex crimes against children.

"The Lawsuit will allege that Archdiocese officials conspired to endanger the safety of the Plaintiff when they actively concealed their knowledge of (a) priest's previous offenses, lied to parishioners, and created a sham sexual abuse victim assistance program for the Archdiocese," according to a news release announcing the lawsuit.

The lawsuit does not identify the plaintiff, but describes him as "an adult male individual who is a citizen and resident of the State of Delaware."

The suit identifies Daniel F. Monahan and Marci A. Hamilton as the attorneys for the plaintiff.

In addition to the plaintiff, the lawsuit names seven parties in the complaint, including the archdiocese; Cardinal Justin Rigali, the current archbishop; Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua, a former archbishop; and Monsignor William Lynn, a former top aide to Bevilacqua.

The suit accuses the defendants of conspiracy to endanger children, fraudulent concealment and actual fraud. The plaintiff is seeking compensatory and punitive damages in excess of $50,000, plus interest, on each of the three counts.

To read more, click here.

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