LOS ANGELES (CA)
NBC Southern California
By Jonathan Lloyd and Toni Guinyard
Thursday, Mar 14, 2013
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles issued a statement in which it apologized to priest abuse victims ahead of a news conference Thursday at which details of a civil lawsuit settlement are expected to be released.
The Archdiocense reached a $9.9 million settlement with four victims of former priest Michael Baker. The statement issued Thursday morning states Baker “deceived parishioners, therapists, church leaders and most of all, his victims.”
“The Archdiocese has expressed deep regret for the mistakes made in handling his case and has taken responsibility for the terrible harm he inflicted upon his many victims,” the statement continued. “It has been the desire of the Archdiocese to settle the civil cases of abuse and to provide support to the victims through the healing process. The Archdiocese again apologizes to all who were harmed or impacted by clergy sexual abuse or its consequences. We continue to pray earnestly for all victims and their families so that they may find emotional and spiritual healing. We also reiterate our firm commitment to the protection of our children and young people.”
The news conference regarding the civil lawsuit settlement reached with the victims is scheduled for 10 a.m. The settlements announced Tuesday range from $995,000 to $4,000,000.
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