Criminal Justice
DA Awaits Priest Files
The Los Angeles district attorney is waiting to learn what documents he will receive under a record $660 million settlement reached with the local archdiocese in priest abuse cases.
District Attorney Steve Cooley told the Los Angeles Times that he needs relevant files to complete his five-year investigation into the church’s handling of complaints.
Under the settlement, a retired judge will hear objections to the release of church documents and then decide what to disclose. Prosecutors said if charges are filed, they are likely to be for conspiracy to obstruct justice.
“We don’t know what remaining points of the puzzle will be revealed,” Cooley said.