Imprisoned ex-priest could testify at Philly trial
Prosecutors have subpoenaed an imprisoned former Roman Catholic priest to testify for the government at an upcoming church-abuse trial in Philadelphia.
The rape trial of the Rev. Charles Engelhardt and a former Catholic school teacher has also been rescheduled for next month before a new judge.
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.
The trial, delayed this week, is now set for Oct. 22. It is expected to hinge on the credibility of the accuser, a troubled 24-year-old policeman’s son.
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