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Prosecutor: Philadelphia Monsignor Tried To Cover Up Child Abuse By Priests

By Tony Hanson

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- There were extraordinary developments today in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia clergy abuse case, in which three priests and a lay teacher are charged with sexually assaulting children, and a monsignor is charged with endangering children by knowingly keeping predator priests in postions that gave them continued access to children (see related story).

A defense attorney says the prosecution has alleged in filings that Msgr. William Lynn threatened a priest who disagreed with the reassignment of a priest, and allegedly threatened a nun who threatened to expose a problem priest.

There is a gag order in the case, so the attorneys could not comment or provide more information on the nature of the threat.  Lynn's attorney specifically denied comment.

The government has also alleged during the hearing that the archdiocese has taken action that could unfairly hurt the prosecution of the case.  The prosection says a letter advising all priests and lay employees to contact the archdiocese if approached about the case would have a chilling effect on witnesses.

Archdiocese lawyers say there is no conflict. There will be a hearing next week.

All defendants previously pleaded not guilty and have denied all the allegations (see related story).

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