News Story of the Day

By Eli Rosenberg, Marc Fortier and Michael Rosenfield, July 25, 2017, NBC New York 

Convicted pedophile priest Paul Shanley has completed his prison sentence and is expected to be released this week.

By Adam Cooper, Sydney Morning Herald, July 24, 2017

He is one of the highest ranking officials in the Catholic Church, but Cardinal George Pell could find himself rubbing shoulders with drink-drivers, drug users and other accused criminals when he attends court for the first time to answer to historical sex charges.

Melbourne Magistrates Court maintains it will take a business as usual approach to the high-profile case, which means Cardinal Pell could join the queue of accused criminals, solicitors and police waiting to get into the court on Wednesday morning.

Bruce Tomaso, The Texas Lawbook, WFAA.com, July 23, 2017

TWENTY YEARS AGO THIS MONTH, AN EXTRAORDINARY TRIAL TOOK PLACE IN A DALLAS COUNTY COURT. IT PITTED 10 YOUNG MEN AND THE FAMILY OF ANOTHER AGAINST THE DALLAS CATHOLIC DIOCESE. THIS SPECIAL REPORT TELLS THE STORY OF THE TRIAL OF RUDY KOS, A REMARKABLE AND HISTORIC TALE OF COURTROOM JUSTICE.

A dozen jurors walked into a Dallas courtroom two decades ago to deliver their verdict. For more than two months, they listened to graphic, horrifying testimony about a pedophile priest who preyed on young boys for years.

By Diane Dimond, Crime and Justice. Albuquerque Journal, July 22nd, 2017 

Former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert cut a pitiful figure this week as he left a federal prison in Minnesota and his wheelchair stuck on a bump in the sidewalk. His wife, fumbling at his side trying to manage his aluminum walker and other items, wasn’t immediately able to help him over the hurdle. The just-released prisoner was momentarily stuck. Pathetic for a man who was once second in line to the presidency of the United States.

By Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, July 20, 2017

A senior Roman Catholic priest in the Diocese of Orange sexually assaulted and harassed a female church employee last year at a prominent Irvine parish where he was placed despite a similar prior accusation, according to a lawsuit filed by the woman.

Father Alex Kim is accused by his former assistant of sexually assaulting her several times at St. John Neumann Catholic Church. She alleged in the suit that she felt compelled to take a leave of absence to avoid his attacks.

July 19, 2017, LaCroix International

At least 547 children were the victims of physical and sexual violence in the Domspatzen Choir at the Regensburg cathedral in Germany between 1945 and 1995. After two years of public inquiry, a final report requested by the diocese has been made public.

By Zoe Tillman, Jul 17, 2017, Buzzfeed

A Utah woman's lawsuit against a former federal judge accusing him of raping her more than three decades ago is now at the center of a legal fight over how child sex abuse claims are handled in the state, and whether victims can seek justice for old alleged crimes.

By Sam McPhee, Daily Mail Australia, July 17, 2017

• Lawyer fears George Pell could have charges 'watered down' by prosecutors
• Ingrid Irwin represents some victims accusing Cardinal Pell of abuse
• She says if backroom deals cut it could make people 'lambs to the slaughter'

By SAM DUNCAN, DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA, July 14, 2017

• This means he could be rubbing shoulders with hardened criminals at court
• Normal security screenings will also apply to Australia's most powerful Catholic
• The news comes amid concerns for Cardinal Pell's safety due to large crowds
• Cardinal Pell will be represented by Robert Richter, former lawyer to Mick Gatto 

The Vatican's third most powerful figure will receive no special treatment when he appears in court to face multiple historical sex charges.

There have been fears for the safety of Australia's most powerful Catholic at his court appearance on July 26, as sexual abuse survivors are expected to attend. 

Melbourne Magistrates Court appears unconcerned, and stated that Cardinal George Pell's trial will be 'business as usual.'

By Emily Crane and Jennifer Smith, Daily Mail, July 14, 2017

• Former teacher Randi Zurenko, 34, was jailed in Pennsylvania on Thursday
• She pleaded guilty to having sexual relations with two female teen students
• The mother of five begged for leniency and was jailed for up to 23 months
• She had been charged with more than 200 child sex offences during her time as a teacher at Bishop McDevitt High School
• Police said Zurenko sexually abused her two victims, aged 16 and 17, hundreds of times between 2013 and 2016