There are "very, very few people we let close to our children and Monsignor Lynn is one of them."
Coyne was one of several witnesses who testified in favor of Lynn during his sentencing.
Blessington said Lynn had been a good parish priest, but was a "criminal" secretary for clergy and that "but for his actions these people [Lynn's supporters] wouldn't suffer."
Sarmina said in her prepared statement that more of the letters she received in support of Lynn were from St. Joseph Church parishioners and that, in the wake of the first investigating grand jury, perhaps Lynn "thought he had a second chance" by giving as much as he did to that parish.
Lynn was not able to provide the same love and support when he was secretary for clergy, Sarmina said.
The Philadelphia District Attorney's Office has decided to retry James J. Brennan, the former priest who was tried along with Lynn.
The jury was hung on whether Brennan had attempted to rape a teenager and endangered the welfare of that teenager and other youths. One juror said they were 11-1 in favor of acquitting Brennan.
The case will return to court in August for Sarmina to decide if Lynn can be out on bail while his appeal is pending.
Amaris Elliott-Engel can be contacted at 215-557-2354 or aelliott-engel@alm.com. Follow her on Twitter @AmarisTLI.
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