Philadelphia Cardinal Testifies in Criminal Priest Sex Abuse Case
Judge Teresa Sarmina has determined that 88-year old former Archbishop of Philadelphia, Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua is fit to provide testimony in the criminal sex abuse trial involving one of his former top lieutenants, Monsignor William Lynn. Bevilacqua will not be required to give the testimony in a courtroom, a concession sought by his lawyers and granted by the judge due to his advanced age and fragile health. The deposition is expected to begin today and should last for a few days.
The decision to compel the Cardinal’s testimony was a hard-fought victory for prosecutors who’d argued that Bevilacqua’s testimony is crucial in their criminal case against Monsignor William Lynn who is the first Philadelphia priest ever to be criminally charged with failure to protect children. Lynn had been in charge of all sexual abuse reports as well as the investigation of such allegations. In prior grand jury deliberations, Monsignor Lynn was the target of much grand jury criticism for his handling of sexual abuse cases against Archdiocese of Philadelphia priests during Cardinal Bevilacqua’s tenure as archbishop of Philadelphia.
Monsignor William Lynn is charged with child endangerment for allegedly transferring priests accused of sexual abuse of minors. Three priests and a former teacher are charged with raping boys.
