Denver settles 15 abuse cases

DENVER -- The Denver archdiocese and 15 of 19 victims of childhood clergy sex abuse have agreed to an out-of-court settlement, according to the professional arbiter who mediated the agreement. The settlements ranged from $30,000 to $150,000 and totaled $1.58 million.

Adam Horowitz, an attorney representing the abuse victims, told The Denver Post they were pleased with the settlements.

A statement from Horowitz's law firm said the remaining cases had not been settled because of the archdiocese's refusal "to voluntarily release the contents of the offending priests' personnel files." The archdiocese has said such files are private and confidential.

Denver Archbishop Charles J. Chaput said he was "deeply grateful" to the mediators "and I sincerely hope that each of the 19 individuals who participated begin to truly heal." He said he had met personally with 18 plaintiffs.

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