Monsignor Lynn denied house arrest

A Philadelphia judge has denied Monsignor William Lynn’s request to be confined to house arrest while awaiting sentencing. 

Lynn was denied bail after his conviction June 22nd on charges of endangering the welfare of children.  He’s the first Catholic church official convicted for failing to protect kids from sexually abusive priests.  

One of Lynn’s attorneys, Jeff Lindy said he’s disappointed. “He’s a 61-year old man, with no prior record, with a long work history, with well-established ties to the community, who’s convicted of a third degree felony – endangering the welfare of children, not sex abuse,” said Lindy. “I’ve said this before – I can’t think of any other defendant similarly situated who would have been denied bail.”

Judge Teresa Sarmina quickly denied Lynn’s motion without explanation.

Lynn’s other attorney Tom Bergstrom said the judge’s rulings raise the prospect that Lynn might get the maximum sentence.

“It worries me that it might be, sure,” said Bergstrom. “She’s been very difficult, very tough, and it, it worries me,” said Bergstrom.

Prosecutor Patrick Blessington declined to comment to reporters. In the hearing, he told Judge Sarmina that Lynn shouldn’t be treated any differently from other defendants, and that the circumstances of the case warrant his remaining in custody.

Lynn faces three and a half to seven years. Sarmina did grant Lynn’s request for expedited sentencing. It’s now set for July 24th. Lynn is appealing his conviction.