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  Key Dates in Ex-Priest Geoghan's Case

Associated Press, carried in Kansas City [Boston MA]
August 23, 2003

Some key dates involving former priest John Geoghan, who became a central figure in the sex abuse scandal in the Roman Catholic church:

1962 - Geoghan ordained as a priest.

1962-1995 - Geoghan sexually abuses approximately 130 people, mostly grammar school boys, according to the alleged victims. Church officials order him to get treatment or transfer him, but keep him on as a priest.

1998 - Geoghan ousted as priest after the church reportedly pays millions of dollars to settle sex abuse claims.

1999 - Geoghan indicted on child rape charges.

Jan. 9, 2002 - Former Cardinal Bernard Law acknowledges he moved Geoghan from parish to parish despite evidence the priest had molested children. Law apologizes to Geoghan's victims and promises to bar any abuser from ministry.

Jan. 18, 2002 - Geoghan convicted of indecent assault and battery for improperly touching a 10-year-old boy at a swimming pool a decade ago. He is later sentenced to nine to 10 years in prison.

Jan. 24, 2002 - Documents released in civil lawsuits provide evidence archdiocesan officials protected Geoghan, instead of children.

May 8, 2002 - Cardinal Law begins depositions in civil cases related to Geoghan.

Sept. 19, 2002 - Boston Archdiocese settles with 86 Geoghan victims for $10 million, after pulling out of an earlier settlement of about $30 million.

Dec. 13, 2002 - Under fire for mishandling abuse cases, Law resigns.

Aug. 23 - Geoghan dies after an attack by another inmate at the state prison in Shirley.
 
 
 

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