More Files to Be Released in LA Priest Abuse Scandal

Church must hand over records regarding priests accused of molesting children by September

Roman Catholic religious orders have until September to release the sealed personnel files of their priests who were accused of molesting children while working in the Los Angeles archdiocese, a judge said Tuesday.

Superior Court Judge Emilie Elias said all the religious orders involved must comply by a September hearing date, but agreed to let the files become public as they are ready throughout the summer, said Ray Boucher, a lead plaintiff attorney.

The first files could be public within a month, said Boucher, who is working directly with religious orders such as the Vincentians, Claretians and Marinists.