PHILADELPHIA (PA)
WorldTVNews
PHILADELPHIA – A group representing victims of child sexual abuse says the prison sentence given a Philadelphia priest who covered up crimes against children sends a powerful message to organizations across the country. Monsignor William Lynn did not sexually abuse children himself. He is the first Roman Catholic Church official convicted of covering up the actions of priests under his supervision.
Joelle Casteix, the western regional director of the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP), said Lynn deserved the maximum sentence of seven years. But she said the judge’s sentence of three-to-six years in prison is meaningful.
“This sentence sends a poweful message: cover up sex crimes and you’ll go to jail. Not house arrest. Not community service. Not a fine. You’ll be locked up,” Casteix said.
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