Lynn's bail bid lost in sex abuse trial

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PHILADELPHIA, July 6 (UPI) -- A Philadelphia judge overseeing the child endangerment trial of Monsignor William J. Lynn denied him bail as he awaits a sentencing hearing.

Common Pleas Court Judge M. Teresa Sarmina Thursday sided with prosecutors who argued Lynn should stay in prison until he is sentenced because he is a flight risk, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

Sarmina did, however, agreed to move up the sentencing hearing by three weeks to July 24.

Lynn, the former secretary for clergy for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia, was convicted June 22 of enabling clergy sex-abuse by allowing the Rev. Edward Avery to continue to work in the church, even though Lynn knew the priest had previously abused a minor. Lynn was acquitted of charges that he conspired with Avery or church leaders to endanger children.

Lynn faces up to seven years for the conviction and the prosecution is seeking the maximum.

"For decades, conduct like Lynn's was not taken seriously, or was excused on the basis of the perpetrator's position," said Tasha Jamerson, a spokeswoman for the district attorney. "We hope that verdict in this case will begin to change that."

The jury deadlocked on attempted rape and endangerment charges against Lynn's co-defendant, the Rev. James J. Brennan.