Jul 5, 2004 / 22:00 pm
Barring an out-of-court settlement, two cases on the alleged sexual abuse of children by a Portland priest are scheduled to go to trial today. The second case is a back-up if the first one is settled. This is only the eighth such trial in the United States in the last 20 years, reported the Oregonian.
Both suits involve Fr. Maurice Grammond of the Archdiocese of Portland, who has been accused of molesting more than 50 boys.
Multnomah County Circuit Judge Ronald E. Cinniger is expected to hear the cases. However, both cases could settle at the last minute, or even after the trial has begun.
In a statement, the Archdiocese of Portland said it is “committed to reasonable settlements with anyone injured by employees.”