June 26, 2012

Judge may grant house arrest to Pa. monsignor

The Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA — A judge might release a convicted Roman Catholic monsignor to await sentencing if the Vatican will agree not to harbor him if he flees the United States for Rome.

Monsignor William Lynn leaves the Criminal Justice Center in Philadelphia last week.

AP

Monsignor William Lynn is the first U.S. church official convicted in the cover-up of child sex-abuse complaints.

Lynn was convicted of felony child endangerment and is set for sentencing Aug. 13. He faces about 3-1/2 to seven years in prison. His lawyers insist he is not a flight risk. But prosecutors say at least 35 priests have fled during criminal cases, most apparently before trial.

Lynn has agreed to surrender his passport, and to waive extradition if he flees. But the judge first wants proof the Vatican will honor the waiver.

Lynn remained jailed Tuesday, pending a July 5 court date.

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