Criminal charges against Los Angeles Catholic Archdiocese unlikely

The Los Angeles Times (6/2, Pringle) reports that over the course of an eight-year investigation of sexual abuse by clergymen, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office has uncovered information pointing to potential ‘criminal culpability’ by leaders of the Los Angeles Catholic Archdiocese. However, the information so far revealed is insufficient evidence to bring charges, and the looming statute of limitations daily weakens the possibility of a successful criminal case against archdiocese officials. Advocates for victims of abusive priests have blamed the prosecutor in charge of the investigation for failing to press high-ranking church officials harder for signs that they illegally concealed criminal conduct.