Jury Rules Against Davenport Diocese

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By Jon Ellis

Story Created: Sep 18, 2006 at 9:40 PM CST

Story Updated: Sep 18, 2006 at 9:40 PM CST

AP - A Scott County jury has sided with a man who claimed that Diocese of Davenport officials did nothing to address the sexual abuse he suffered at the hands of a priest more than 40 years ago.

The jury deliberated for about six hours before awarding the man about $1.5 million in damages.

The diocese has said went to court because it couldn't afford to settle any more cases regarding alleged sexual abuse by its priests.

In a statement issued Monday afternoon, the diocese said it believed the evidence overwhelmingly showed that the diocese had no knowledge of any abuse perpetrated by Monsignor Thomas Feeney over 40 years ago, and that the statue of limitations should apply.

After the verdict, the man who claimed he was abused by Feeney as an altar boy, said the case was not about money, but getting answers from the diocese.

The trial began September 11.

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