Photo ~ The first Catholic Church official to go on trial for allegedly covering up sexual abuse of children by predator priests was described by prosecutors Monday as more concerned with protecting the church than children.

Fugitives from justice: Roman Catholic priests
Few clergy who fled the U.S. after being accused of sexual abuse of minors have been returned to face the charges
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This news story is posted in response to the following reference made to Common Pleas Judge M. Teresa Sarmina in the Msgn. William Lynn case:
...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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Since 1985, at least 32 Roman Catholic priests have left the United States for foreign countries while facing criminal charges or a police investigation over allegations that they sexually assaulted or abused minors, according to federal warrants, news reports and law enforcement sources.

Only five have been returned to the U.S. to face trial; some died abroad.

The number of fugitive priests grows by more than two dozen if it includes those who left the country while facing internal church probes or civil allegations of child sex misconduct, instead of a criminal investigation, and those who were transferred to foreign countries by church authorities before or after allegations surfaced. Many have maintained their innocence.

Authorities also have pursued religious leaders from other faith traditions who fled the U.S. amid abuse allegations.

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