Cardinal Mahony under federal fraud probe over abusive priests, sources say

The U.S. attorney in Los Angeles has launched a federal grand jury investigation into Cardinal Roger M. Mahony in connection with his response to the alleged molestation of children by priests in the Los Angeles Archdiocese, according to two law enforcement sources familiar with the case.

The probe, in which U.S. Atty. Thomas P. O'Brien is personally involved, is aimed at determining whether Mahony, and possibly other church leaders, committed "honest services fraud" by failing to adequately deal with priests accused of sexually abusing children, said the sources, who requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly about the investigation.
One federal law enforcement source said such a prosecution could be brought under a federal statute that makes it illegal to "scheme . . . to deprive another of the intangible right of honest services."

In this case, the victims would be parishioners who relied on Mahony and other church leaders to keep their children safe from predatory priests, the source said. To convict on such a charge, prosecutors would have to prove that Mahony used the U.S. mail or some form of electronic communication in committing the alleged fraud, the source said.

It’s commonly known in L.A. that Mahoney is up to his ears in activity that would, to say the least, not be considered in the best public relations interests of the Catholic Church. That’s probably all I dare say.

Cardinal Mahoney, my local Cardinal, is looking at a price tag larger than other dioceses for gay abuses (probably over $1 billion). He is already asking for money from each of his 295 parishes and has made the wealthy and traditional Catholics feel like strangers.

Catholic or not, if a person enabled in any way the molestation of children, that person should have to answer for the crime.

Victims of child sexual abuse are haunted for many years up into adulthood. Even more so by someone they trusted and perceived as godly protectors.

Just freakin horrible.

Weakland was a real piece of work. He tried to get Time Warner Cable systems to cancel EWTN. I knew he was a left wing weenie but was shocked to find out he was gay and was using diocese money to pay off a ex gay over. That puke belongs in a cell along with the rest of the creeps that covered up for these perverts.

“It’s commonly known in L.A. that Mahoney is up to his ears in activity that would, to say the least, not be considered in the best public relations interests of the Catholic Church. That’s probably all I dare say.”

well said.
If they find something on him - then throw the book at him.
It’s about time a new man was put in charge of L.A. anyway.

“Let’s hope he gets booted somewhere other than to Rome like Cardinal Law.”

The police had their shot at Law, and they decided to pass.
That’s when he was sent to Rome.

If they’ve got the goods on Mahoney, then I hope he pays.

Where does that infamous “Separation of Church and State” enter into this?

No where-that applies to government establishment of a religion or freedom of religious expression. Investigations of common crimes don't really impact the "separation", though sometimes there is a conflict between Native American religions and drug laws.

But in the end, nothing will happen to Mahony; like OJ, he's got the "juice" in LA to avoid any indictment or trial.

Will Mahoney join Cardinal Law at some Church in Rome or will he get some help from Carlos Vigliero (don’t remember the correct spelling) the drug dealer for whom Mahoney recommended and got a pardon from Bill Clinton?

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