2nd Philly priest-abuse trial set for Oct. 22
The rape trial of a Roman Catholic priest and a former Catholic school teacher has been rescheduled for next month before a new judge.
The Rev. Charles Engelhardt and ex-teacher Bernard Shero are charged with raping the same boy in the late 1990s at a Northeast Philadelphia parish.
Defrocked priest Edward Avery is in prison after admitting he sexually assaulted the boy. Prosecutors disclosed Friday they’ve subpoenaed Avery to testify at the upcoming trial.
The 65-year-old Engelhardt and 49-year-old Shero have pleaded not guilty. Engelhardt’s lawyer says his trial defense will take more than a week.
The trial, delayed this week, is now set for Oct. 22 before Common Pleas Judge Ellen Ceisler.
The trial is expected to hinge on the credibility of the accuser, a troubled 24-year-old policeman’s son.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.