Free Talk Live

A Philadelphia monsignor tasked with investigating abuse claims has become the highest-ranking US church official to be convicted of covering up child sex allegations. Monsignor William Lynn, who was secretary of the archdiocese from 1994 to 2001, was found guilty on Friday of one count of endangering the welfare of a child. The jury acquitted Lynn, who oversaw hundreds of priests in the Philadelphia Archdiocese, on counts of conspiracy and another charge of child endangerment. Sentencing for Lynn, who faces up to seven years in prison, was set for August 13 by Judge M Teresa Sarmina. "This is a monumental victory for the named and unnamed victims," said Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams.