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  Covington Diocese Sex Abuse Settlement Approved

By Tom McKee
WCPO
May 28, 2009

http://www.wcpo.com/news/local/story/Covington-Diocese-Sex-Abuse-Settlement-Approved/fsJFHA3DWkmH6EDby1JWhA.cspx

The class action lawsuit against the Diocese of Covington for alleged sexual abuse by priests is now closed.

Judge Robert McGinnis approved a settlement of the case Thursday in Boone Circuit court.

When the suit was filed, there were 400 people who claimed they were victims.

Their attorneys and lawyers for the Diocese of Covington worked out a matrix grid that Special Masters Bill Burleigh and Judge Thomas Lambros used to distribute money to 252 individuals from an $84 million settlement fund.

The other 148 claims were denied on grounds that there wasn't enough evidence available for validation.

"I am completely convinced that justice was done," said Judge McGinnis. "It would have been nice if everyone had gotten money, but some claims were not believable."

The judge noted that victims had numerous opportunities to had their claims heard – more than might have been available if the entire matter had been handled in the courtroom.

Stan Chesley, one of the attorneys for the victims, said the case proves that the legal system works. He added that the settlement formula should be looked at in handling similar cases from around the country.

Chicago attorney Carrie Huff, who represented the Diocese of Covington, said the settlement wasn't perfect, but both sides made it work. She called it a remarkable achievement.

Burleigh, the retired Chairman of the E.W. Scripps Company, said the settlement will achieve some closure, fairness and restoration of human dignity.

"The church has been shorn and lessons have been learned," Burleigh said. "Hopefully, those abused can find some peace."

 
 

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