Judge OKs Milwaukee archdiocese bankruptcy; victims get $21M

Associated Press//November 9, 2015//

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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.

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