Jury Selected in Priest Abuse Lawsuit

Fox 11
May 14, 2012

http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/local/fox_cities/jury-selection-begins-in-priest-abuse-lawsuit

APPLETON - It was a full day of questioning potential jurors in the case of Troy and Todd Merryfield vs. the Green Bay Diocese.

A jury of 12 and three alternates remains out of a pool of more than 90 potential jurors. Of those who were excused, most told Judge Nancy Krueger they had conflicts with their personal feelings about potential witnesses from the diocese or their faith in the Catholic Church itself.

Other potential jurors who were excused told the judge they felt uncomfortable listening to testimony about sexual abuse.

Former priest John Feeney was convicted in 2004 of sexually abusing the Merryfields in 1978 while Feeney was priest at St. Nicholas Parish in Freedom.

This civil trial alleges the diocese knew Feeney had a history of sexual abuse before he was transferred to St. Nicholas Parish. The Merryfields are accusing the diocese of fraud for transferring Feeney without telling parishioners of his alleged history of sexual abuse. The diocese denies that claim.

Attorneys on both sides declined to comment.

Tuesday morning will begin with opening statements and testimony expected by the afternoon. The trial is expected to last up to two weeks. Former Bishop Adam Maida, now a retired cardinal in Detroit, current Bishop David Ricken, and current auxiliary Bishop Robert Morneau may be called to testify in the trial.

If the jury finds the diocese committed fraud, they will make a determination about how much money to award the Merryfields.