Lawyer Accused of Helping Church Shield Assets
An attorney representing the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego in a bankruptcy case is appearing in federal court there today to show cause why she should not be held in contempt for helping her client shift assets to local parishes without a bankruptcy judge’s permission.
According to a show cause order by Judge Louise DeCarl Adler, attorney Susan G. Boswell “conspired” with diocese officials and parishes to transfer funds after the diocese filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Feb. 27, reports the Arizona Daily Star.
The diocese, which reportedly has some $100 million in assets, and $100 million-plus in liabilities, is the fifth in the U.S. to file for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 in the midst of litigation over charges of sexual abuse by members of the clergy.
Boswell, who is based in Tucson, Arizona, also represented the diocese there in a bankruptcy case.
