No verdict from Philadelphia priest-abuse jury

By Maryclaire Dale

Associated Press

Published: Wednesday, June 6 2012 2:48 p.m. MDT

FILE - In a Tuesday, March 27, 2012 file photo, Monsignor William Lynn leaves the Criminal Justice Center, in Philadelphia. Lynn, accused of moving predator-priests to unwitting parishes, testified Wednesday, May 23, 2012 that he had no authority to make priest transfers. Lynn says he could only remove a priest who admitted abusing a minor. Lynn says he otherwise made recommendations for the cardinal. Lynn is testifying in the ninth week of his child-endangerment and conspiracy trial.

Alex Brandon, File, Associated Press

Enlarge photo»

Summary

A Philadelphia jury has deliberated a fourth day without reaching a verdict in a major clergy-abuse case.

PHILADELPHIA — A Philadelphia jury has deliberated a fourth day without reaching a verdict in a major clergy-abuse case.

Jurors are set to return Thursday after asking many questions this week.

Monsignor William Lynn is the first U.S. church official charged with crimes for his handling of priest sex-abuse complaints. He's charged with conspiracy and child endangerment for his actions as secretary of clergy at the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

The Rev. James Brennan is charged with molesting a teen in 1996.

The jury on Wednesday asked the judge to define the term "agreement" under conspiracy law and asked if conspirators have to know that what they're planning is a crime.

The judge says they do not. However, child endangerment has to be done knowingly.

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