LA Catholic diocese under investigation for abuse cover-up

Updated: The Los Angeles Times has a more extensive story.

The Wall Street Journal reports:


Federal authorities are investigating the Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles to see whether top church officials tried to cover up the sexual abuse of minors by priests, said a person familiar with the matter.

A federal grand jury has issued subpoenas and begun calling witnesses in the probe, which began late last year, said this person. The investigation is still in its early, fact-gathering stage, and it isn't known whether any criminal charges will result.

Addendum. NYT has more, including reaction from the diocese and Cardinal Mahony.

Posted by Jim Naughton on January 29, 2009 9:37 AM | |
Comments (1)

http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/02/novel-legal-approach-taken-in.html

"The case involves the novel application of something called the law of "honest services." As the ABA Journal explains things, it's a crime to conspire to deprive people of their right to honest services."

http://www.abajournal.com/news/honest_services_theory_used_in_priest_abuse_cover-up_probe/

"The theft of honest services statute is usually used to prosecute politicians and corporate executives."

Posted by John B. Chilton [TypeKey Profile Page] | February 3, 2009 2:15 PM

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