$5M settlement near in clergy-abuse case
by AP, from The Home News Tribune
on the web, February 11, 2005
A $5 million settlement for 27 men who claimed they were molested by Roman Catholic priests could be completed by early next week, according to an individual involved in the case.
If the settlement is signed by all the plaintiffs, the sum would be the largest payout by a New Jersey diocese in a clergy sex-abuse case.
The deal with the Diocese of Paterson also would provide four years of counseling for the men, said the individual, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
Most of the men claimed they were violated as boys from 1968 to 1982 by James Hanley, who served at three northern New Jersey parishes.
He was removed from the priesthood in 2002, 17 years after church officials learned of complaints against him.
The lawsuit filed by the men 13 months ago claimed that church officials, including former Bishop Frank Rodimer, failed to take action to protect the youths.
Hanley was not sued because he cooperated with the plaintiffs, providing a statement detailing sexual acts he did with boys.
The statement also said he admitted to Rodimer in 1984 that he had molested about a dozen boys.
Prosecutors said they could not bring criminal charges against Hanley because the statute of limitations had expired.
Hanley served at St. Joseph's in Mendham, Our Lady of Good Counsel in Pompton Plains and St. Christopher's in Parsippany.
Paterson Bishop Arthur Serratelli told The Star-Ledger of Newark for yesterday's newspapers that
"my understanding is that we're moving toward a settlement." A diocesan spokeswoman did not immediately return a message yesterday.
Recent settlements in New Jersey include a $1 million payout the Newark Archdiocese reached with 10 accusers last year.
The Metuchen Diocese settled for $800,000 with 10 accusers in 2003. The Camden Diocese has settled for $955,000 with more than 20 accusers since 2002.
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