Criminal charges against St. Paul-Minneapolis Archdiocese could jeopardize insurance coverage

Published May 03, 2016

Lawyers for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis are warning that criminal charges against the corporation could jeopardize insurance coverage that's being counted on to pay some claims of victims of clergy abuse.

The archdiocese faces multiple counts for allegedly failing to protect victims from a former St. Paul priest.

Archdiocese insurers were already questioning whether they were liable to cover abuse claims.

University of Minnesota law professor Christopher Soper tells Minnesota Public Radio News (http://bit.ly/1J7vOJb ) that now the insurers' case is stronger because the charges allege the archdiocese knew about problems and didn't protect kids. He says most insurance policies don't cover intentional or criminal acts.

Abuse victims have until Aug. 3 to file claims in bankruptcy court. So far, roughly 100 claims have been filed.

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Information from: Minnesota Public Radio News, http://www.mprnews.org

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https://www.foxnews.com/us/criminal-charges-against-st-paul-minneapolis-archdiocese-could-jeopardize-insurance-coverage