PHILADELPHIA – A Roman Catholic church official has been ordered back to prison after his Pennsylvania conviction over the handling of abuse complaints was reinstated.
A judge Thursday refused to grant a stay that would have allowed Monsignor William Lynn of Philadelphia to remain free while he pursues other appeals.
Lynn has served half of a three-to-six-year sentence for felony child endangerment. He's been on house arrest since the state Superior Court tossed his conviction in 2013.
The state Supreme Court reversed that decision Monday.
Lynn is the first U.S. church official prosecuted over his handling of abuse complaints against priests.
The 64-year-old Lynn served as secretary for clergy from 1992 to 2004.
His lawyers have long argued that Lynn was not responsible for the welfare of victims.
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