Monsignor Lynn warned not to violate house arrest

After appearing in court for the first time since his landmark conviction was overturned, Monsignor William Lynn is on house arrest and he’s been warned not to stray.

Judge Teresa Sarmina says she’s already signed a re-arrest order in case Lynn violates his house arrest.

Defense attorney Thomas Bergstrom says Lynn, who was the first church official convicted for mishandling allegations of child sexual abuse by priests will stay put.

“Monsignor Lynn is not a threat, he’s not a threat of flight, he’s not going anywhere. If he abides by all the conditions of bail, the money will go back to the Archdiocese, so it’s not as if they’ve lost the money,” he said.

Bergstrom says Lynn is being housed in a parish in Northeast Philadelphia that does not have a parochial school, though two charter schools do rent space there.

“It’s a rectory at St Williams Parish it’s a large rectory. He’s got access to two floors basically he’s got his own room, he can’t go outside without approval from the court.”

Prosecutors are expected to file a formal appeal this week to try to get the conviction re-instated. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court could decide to take up the matter or dismiss the case, which would make Lynn a free man.