LA Catholic Archdiocese Reaches $660 Million Settlement With Abuse Victims

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles yesterday reached a $660 million settlement agreement with hundreds of priest sexual abuse victims, less than 48 hours before the case was to come to trial. The Washington Post today reports that the settlement, which averages $1.3 million per victim, also calls for the release of confidential priest personnel files. A Los Angeles County judge had already ruled that Cardinal Roger Mahony could be forced to testify if the case came to trial and that four of the abuse victims could sue for punitive damages. Three Catholic orders refused to participate in the settlement. Previously, 86 other cases had already been settled for $114 million. The Archdiocese will sell its administrative building and other properties to raise funds for the settlement.