Preliminary hearings are set for Monday for four former and current priests and a former teacher charged in connection with a sex abuse scandal in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Priests Edward Avery and Charles Englehardt, former priest James Brennan and Bernard Shero, a Catholic School teacher were are charged with rape and related offenses last month.
Monsignor William Lynn, a former secretary of the clergy, is accused of relocating these men to other parishes despite the accusations.
They face a maximum of 67 years in prison if convicted of all charges. Lynn faces a maximum of 14 years if convicted.
Pa. Cardinal Justin Regali released a video message regarding the alleged sexual abuses, saying it brings “great sadness and distress to every Catholic, every person.” He has also ordered the re-examination of all cases of concern to the grand jury. This includes 37 active priests suspected of child sexual abuse.
Fan, follow and download: Get the latest from NBCPhiladelphia.com anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and NBC Philadelphia. Sign up for our breaking news newsletter. And, get breaking news delivered right to your mobile phone -- just text PHIBREAKING to 639710 to sign up. (Message and data rates may apply.)
