The Los Angeles Times is reporting that the Cardinal Mahony is under Federal Investigation. The premise for this investigation is based on the theory that the parishioners of the church did not receive the “right of honest services” by failing to protect the children from the predator priests.
The article goes on to state that the accusation against Mahony, of covering up the abuse of the children by the priests, has followed him for years. Just two years ago they paid $660 million to 508 people that accused the priests of sexual abuse. This was the largest payout by the Roman Catholic Church nationwide.
The LA Times expert stated the theory being used is usually used in corporate cases against executives accused of wrong doings. She stated that in the case of Mahony prosecutors would have to define “honest services” expected by the Cardinal and then convince the jurors that criminal charges should be sought.
What is interesting about this article is that Mahony’s lawyer stated he was told Mahony isn’t the target of the investigation.
Would it possibly mean that they are after the original creator of the decree, Crimen Sollicitationis? You know, the head cheese up in the Vatican that now is responsible of handling all the cases under this decree.
