Judge denies bid to drop charge in Philly priest-abuse case
A Philadelphia judge is denying a Roman Catholic priest’s bid to have one of two child-endangerment counts dismissed in his clergy-abuse trial.
Meanwhile, Monsignor William Lynn is back on the witness stand for a third day.
Lynn’s lawyers argue the endangerment charge involving the Rev. James Brennan should have been filed by 2001, two years after the victim’s complaint.
Common Pleas Judge M. Teresa Sarmina has rejected the motion, and Lynn is enduring more heated cross-examination.
Assistant District Attorney Patrick Blessington is grilling Lynn about 20 accused priests left in ministry when he was secretary for clergy from 1992 to 2004.
Lynn says Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua wouldn’t permanently remove priests unless they were diagnosed pedophiles.
Lynn faces up to 21 years in prison if convicted of child endangerment and conspiracy.
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