Newark Archdiocese Settles Priest Sex Abuse Auit

The Archdiocese of Newark has reached a settlement with six men who claimed they were sexually abused as children by a priest, according to a published report.

The Star-Ledger reports the Rev. John Laferrera was forced to retire under the settlement reached last month. It calls for the men to share approximately $300,000, plus additional money for counseling,

Archdiocese Spokesman Jim Goodness confirmed Laferrera is "out of the ministry," but declined further comment.

In a lawsuit brought in March 2011, the plaintiffs claimed the abuse occurred in the late 1970s and early 1980s while Laferrera was pastor at the Immaculate Conception Parish in Newark. The settlement contains no admission of guilt.

The 65-year-old Laferrera, who has denied the allegations, couldn't be reached for comment on the settlement.

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