A former FBI agent hired by the Philadelphia archdiocese has testified that one priest accuser and his family had money and legal problems.
Prosecutors called Jack Rossiter to testify Monday about his 2006 interviews with the Rev. James Brennan. Brennan is on trial for the alleged 1996 sexual assault of a 14-year-old boy.
Rossiter said he found the accuser credible, even though the man's criminal record gave him pause.
On cross-examination, Rossiter said the man's family had money problems when they came forward with the decade-old allegation about Brennan.
The accuser has sued the archdiocese, along with Rossiter's private investigation firm and others.
Brennan is on trial with Monsignor William Lynn, the longtime secretary for clergy. Lynn is charged with child endangerment for allegedly covering up priest-abuse complaints.
On Friday, five priests were told they could not return to the ministry after allegations of sex abuse against them were investigated. Three were told they could return. The archdiocese of Philadelphia has 17 other priest child sex abuse cases under investigation at the moment.
