Witness Says Monsignor William Lynn Enabled Predator Priest
By Tony Hanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A witness has testified in the clergy abuse case that defendant monsignor William Lynn misled parish staff after they raised concerns about the conduct of a priest in the early 1990's. Lynn, who has pleaded not guilty, is charged with endangering two boys, but this evidence is alleged to show a pattern of conduct by the Archdiocese, including Monsignor Lynn, dating back decades.
Anthony Bozeman, then a youth minister, has testified he and others, including priests and a nun in Our Lady of Hope parish in Philadelphia had concerns about the relationship between Father David Sicoli and a 13-year-old boy.
They went to Monsignor William Lynn, the Secretary for Clergy, who ordered a mental health evaluation, but also said Sicoli had no previous problems. However, evidence in the church's secret archives, reviewed by Monsignor Lynn showed Father Sicoli had a history of allegations of misconduct dating back to the 1970's.
Bozeman, now a priest, says Father Sicoli continued his ministry there, the relationship with the young boy continued and he realized it was all a smokescreen, nothing changed. Later, he says those who complained resigned or were transferred.
Sicoli was laicized in 2008. He was never charged with any crimes.
