Judge May Grant House Arrest To Convicted Monsignor Lynn
By Tony Hanson, Walt Hunter
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Convicted clergyman Monsignor William Lynn will remain behind bars for now, but the trial judge is considering a defense house arrest request after she revoked bail with Lynn's conviction last week on a child endangerment charge.
The defense is adamant Monsignor William Lynn is absolutely no risk of fleeing the United States pending his sentencing in August.
However, Prosecutor Patrick Blessington has argued Lynn could, with the protection of the church, flee anywhere in the world, including the Vatican.
Defense attorney Thomas Bergstrom scoffed when reporters asked about a condition that Lynn would agree to extradition later, if he fled to the Vatican, if he is released.
"Get the hell out of here," Bergstrom said. "He is not going to the Vatican. You know, it is just idiotic. That is all I can say about it."
This was first proposed by the judge and is now being investigated for legality by the prosecution.
The judge has set another hearing on the matter for July 5th.
She also warned Lynn that if she orders house arrest, and he flees, he will give up appeal rights and she will impose a sentence immediately. She said it likely would be a maximum sentence.
The Archdiocese has declined comment.
