Monsignor Gets 3-6 Years In Sex Abuse Cover-Up

A Roman Catholic monsignor who became the first U.S. church official branded a felon for covering up sex abuse claims against priests has been sentenced in Philadelphia to three to six years in prison.

Monsignor William Lynn was sentenced Tuesday. He was the former secretary for clergy at the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Lynn handled priest assignments and child sexual assault complaints from 1992 to 2004. A jury convicted him last month of felony child endangerment for his oversight of now-defrocked priest Edward Avery, who is serving a 2 1/2- to five-year sentence.

Lynn's lawyers sought probation, arguing that few Pennsylvanians serve long prison terms for child endangerment and their client shouldn't serve more time than abusers. They have vowed to appeal.

The 61-year-old Lynn was acquitted of conspiracy and a second endangerment count.

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