Updated: Lynn denied house arrest in priest-abuse case
A high-ranking official in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia could be released on house arrest while he awaits sentencing for his handling of child sex abuse complaints.
Monsignor William Lynn was convicted of felony child endangerment last month and faces three and a half to seven years in prison when he’s sentenced in August. His attorneys have asked a judge to release him from custody until his sentencing.
Update, 10:10 a.m. Judge M. Teresa Sarmina agreed Thursday with prosecutors who say Monsignor William Lynn should be treated like any other felon and remain jailed until his sentencing hearing. Sentencing has been moved up from Aug 13. to July 24.
A hearing on that request is scheduled for today. Common Pleas Judge M. Teresa Sarmina has suggested she could release Lynn to house arrest if she’s persuaded he couldn’t seek refuge at the Vatican or elsewhere.
Lynn was the first U.S. church official ever charged for his handling of abuse complaints. His attorneys plan to appeal his conviction.
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