Prosecutors in priest abuse case want to use related records for trial evidence

Prosecutors today filed a motion to use additional sexual abuse claims and priest transfers as evidence in the March 2012 trial against three Archdiocese of Philadelphia priests, a teacher and a former monsignor.

The Associated Press reports prosecutors would use the additional evidence to show priests had the opportunity and the cover to sexually abuse children, and that Msgr. William Lynn has a record of transferring priests with claims against them.

Defense attorneys have a month to file a response, but cannot comment due to a gag order.