Judge to Rule on Bid to Delay Priests' Trial

By John P. Martin
Philadelphia Inquirer
March 26, 2012

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20120326_Judge_to_rule_on_bid_to_delay_priests__trial.html

Opening statements are poised to begin in the landmark trial of Philadelphia priests accused of conspiring to cover up clergy sex abuse after the judge this morning denied a bid by defense lawyers to delay the case.

Common Pleas Court Judge M. Teresa Sarmina met individually with the 12 jurors and 10 alternate jurors this morning

"You are not to consider Avery's absence in any way," she told the jury.

Msgr. William J. Lynn, the secretary for clergy of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia from 1992 to 2004, is the first Catholic church supervisor to face trial for allegedly enabling or protecting abusive priests. He is charged with felony endangerment and conspiracy.

Rev. James Brennan is accused of similar charges and of allegedly raping a 14-year-old boy in 1996.

The third defendant, defrocked priest Edward V. Avery, pleaded guilty Thursday to conspiracy and sexually assaulting a 10-year-old Northeast Philadelphia altar boy in 1999. He was sentenced to 2 ½ to 5 years in prison.

Two other men charged in the case - one a priest and the other a former Catholic school teacher -- will be tried separately.

Courthouse administrators have reserved dozens of seats to accommodate local and national media for the trial. Sarmina has banned cell phones or other electronic devices from the courtroom, and will require spectators to pass through metal detectors.