Kentucky diocese settles sex abuse suits for $5 million

Published: 2003-10-14

COVINGTON, Ky. (CNS) -- The Diocese of Covington, Ky., settled 27 claims of clerical sexual abuse Oct. 10 for nearly $5.2 million. Covington diocesan spokesman Tim Fitzgerald said the diocese's insurer will pay $3.23 million and the remaining $1.94 million will come from the diocese. At least two other lawsuits are still pending. The neighboring Archdiocese of Louisville revealed in its latest annual financial report Oct. 10 that it paid more than $26.2 million in the fiscal year ending June 30 to settle sexual abuse lawsuits. That figure included the widely reported $25.7 million global settlement of 243 lawsuits by 240 victims in June. The additional amount, slightly over $500,000, went to previous individual settlements of six lawsuits and payments to two individuals who did not file lawsuits.

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