Philly Da: Wva Diocese Balks at Sending Priest

The Graffiti
April 18, 2012

http://www.grafwv.com/page/content.detail/id/185134/Philly-DA--WVa-diocese-balks-at-sending-priest-.html?isap=1&nav=5080

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia prosecutors say they're having trouble getting a West Virginia priest to come testify in a clergy-abuse case.

Monsignor Kevin Quirk is an aide to Bishop Michael Bransfield of the Wheeling-Charleston diocese.

Quirk was a judge at the church's in-house trial of the Rev. James Brennan who faces sexual-assault charges in criminal court.

Assistant District Attorney Patrick Blessington wants Quirk to testify to the accuracy of statements Brennan allegedly made during the canonical trial. Blessington said Tuesday that Quirk had agreed to testify in Philadelphia, but said he had to notify Bransfield.

Since then, the process has stalled.

Blessington said he may seek a trial delay. Defense lawyers did not respond to the issue.

Common Pleas Judge M. Teresa Sarmina agreed to take it up with court officials in Wheeling.