The Diocese of Stockton [California] settled a lawsuit over alleged sexual abuse by Father Michael Kelly. The Diocese agreed to pay the unidentified victim and his attorneys $3.75 million.
The settlement will end more than four-and-a-half years of litigation. A 12-person jury had already found Fr. Kelly guilty of sexual abuse earlier this year, the second phase of the trial started about a week and a half ago.
The victim released a statement Friday morning, stating “This 4½ years of litigation and 10-week trial has been the most difficult experience of my life, but I feel I have received justice today, not for me, but for that 10-year old boy who Fr. Kelly hurt so badly.”
Fr. Kelly is believed to be in Ireland right now, after sending a note to the Diocese stating he had gone there to be with family.
Diocese Settles Abuse Case Against Fr. Kelly (Fox40.com)
Previously: Fugitive Priest’s Letter