Photo ~ Monsignor William Lynn

Judge may release Pa. monsignor, if Vatican will agree not to harbor him if he flees

A judge indicated Tuesday she might release a convicted Roman Catholic monsignor to await sentencing if the Vatican will agree not to harbor him in the event he flees to Rome.

Monsignor William Lynn, the first U.S. church official prosecuted for his handling of child-abuse complaints, was convicted last week of one felony child endangerment count for his role in the cover-up of complaints at the Philadelphia archdiocese.

Common Pleas Judge M. Teresa Sarmina considered his request Tuesday for home detention while he awaits sentencing but ordered him to remain jailed, pending a July 5 court date when she will reconsider the request.

Lynn, 61, faces about 3-1/2 to seven years in prison when he is sentenced Aug. 13. His lawyers insist he is not a flight risk and want him released on house arrest until then. He surrendered his passport to the court Tuesday.

...Prosecutors urged the judge to keep Lynn in jail, offering up a news story that said that 35 Roman Catholic priests have fled during criminal cases. Most apparently fled before trial, often to their native country, Sarmina noted.

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