New York Times:
Kentucky Diocese to Set Up $120 Million for Abuse Victims
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: June 4, 2005
COVINGTON, Ky., June 3 (AP) - The Roman Catholic Diocese of Covington agreed on Friday to set up a $120 million fund to compensate victims of child-molesting priests and other employees. The sum is the biggest settlement in the scandal that has staggered the Catholic church in the United States.
The settlement, which is subject to approval by a state judge, would bring to a close a class-action suit filed on behalf of more than 100 victims. It accuses the diocese of a 50-year cover-up of sexual abuse by priests and others.
"After personally meeting with more than 70 victims, I am painfully aware that no amount of money can compensate for the harm these victims suffered as innocent children," Bishop Roger J. Foys wrote in a statement. "Nevertheless, I pray that this settlement will bring some measure of peace and healing to victims and their loved ones."
The victims will be grouped in four categories based on the severity of abuse. The compensation will range from $5,000 to $450,000 a person, before lawyers' fees are deducted.
"The additional anxiety and stress that would have occurred to the victims had there been a trial has been eliminated," the plaintiffs' lead lawyer, Stan Chesley, said....
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/04/national/04kentucky.html