By: Associated Press//November 9, 2015//
By: Associated Press//November 9, 2015//
By GREG MOORE
Associated Press
MILWAUKEE (AP) — A federal bankruptcy judge in Milwaukee has approved a reorganization plan for the city’s Roman Catholic archdiocese that calls for $21 million to be paid to hundreds of victims of clergy sex abuse.
The plan approved by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Susan Kelley on Monday brings closure to a lengthy and emotional case. The deal splits most of the money among 355 people. Another class of more than 100 victims will get about $2,000 each. Victims also are entitled to counseling.
A dozen Catholic dioceses nationwide have filed for bankruptcy in the past decade over abuse claims. The Milwaukee archdiocese filed in 2011, and the settlement includes some of the smallest per-victim payments.
Several victims criticized the church during the hearing, saying more people should be entitled to larger sums.