Pa. Diocese Says Clergy Abuse Scandal Has Cost It $21M Since '99
Follow KDKA-TV: Facebook | Twitter
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (AP) - The Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown has offered details on the cost of the clergy abuse scandal.
The latest edition of the diocese's official publication says the scandal has cost it $21.5 million since 1999.
Of that amount, $15.7 million has gone to settlement payouts and awards and $4.3 million to legal fees.
A letter from Bishop Mark Bartchak says 290 people have received settlements or counseling from the diocese.
RELATED STORIES:
- Diocese Of Pittsburgh Priest Accused Of Child Sexual Abuse, Placed On Leave
- AG Shapiro Suggests Much More To Follow In Priest Child Abuse Prosecutions
- New Lawsuits Accuse 11 Of Clergy Sex Abuse
- Vatican Orders U.S. Bishops To Delay Votes On Clergy Sex Abuse Scandal Reforms
- Pa. Dioceses, Including Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese, Setting Up Victim Funds For Sexual Abuse Victims
- 301 'Predator Priests' Named In Pa. Grand Jury Sex Abuse Report: 'They Were Raping Little Boys & Girls'
- Additional Reports
A state attorney general's grand jury report has alleged the diocese protected at least 50 religious leaders suspected of abuse.
The Johnstown Tribune-Democrat reports the diocese also has paid more than $900,000 to clergy for compensation that has included salaries to members who were removed from ministry while under investigation.
(Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)