Five named in Archdiocese grand jury report will plead not guilty

    Edward Avery, Charles Engelhardt, James Brennan, Bernard Shero and William Lynn will plead not guilty to charges listed in a grand jury that accuse the five of either sexually assaulting or helping conceal the assaults of two former Archdiocese of Philadelphia students.

    At a hearing today, lawyers for the five announced the three former priests, school teacher and monsignor will plead not guilty to the charges, the Inquirer reports.

    Lynn is charged with shuffling abusive priests to conceal their alleged crimes. The others face rape and assault charges. The next hearing is set for June 6.

    WHYY’s Susan Philips and Tom MacDonald will have the full report with video later.

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