Church withheld evidence, insurer says

Los Angeles, California -

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles withheld "critical evidence" that could help insurance carriers assess the validity and worth of more than 500 sexual abuse claims, the insurers allege.

In a federal lawsuit filed Wednesday, three members of American International Group Inc. allege the church and Cardinal Roger Mahony have tried to force insurers into a settlement, but have not provided key documents - including plaintiffs' medical and work records.

"The archbishop's failure to investigate and to initiate formal discovery has resulted in the loss of critical evidence," according to the lawsuit. "Despite the fact that memories are fading and witnesses are dying, the archbishop has consistently resisted the taking of any depositions or recorded statements in the ... proceedings or otherwise."

Nearly 700 clergy abuse lawsuits are pending against dioceses in Southern California.

Read the article at Seattle Post-Intelligencer dated January 27, 2005

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