Watch CBS News

Calif. Man Arrested In Priest Assault Sues Vatican

OAKLAND (AP) — A man who was arrested last week on suspicion of beating a Roman Catholic priest that he says molested him has filed a lawsuit against the Vatican.

William Lynch filed the negligence lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Oakland on Oct. 27, two days before he surrendered to Northern California authorities over allegations he severely beat the Rev. Jerold Lindner.

Lynch alleges that the Jesuit priest molested him and his brother in 1975.

The brothers received a $625,000 settlement in 1998.

The new lawsuit alleges the Vatican is liable because Lindner was an employee of the global church.

Vatican attorney Jeffrey Lena says the lawsuit gives no indication the Vatican was involved in Lindner's case.

Lynch plans to plead not guilty to assault with a deadly weapon.

(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.