Phoenix Diocese Details Sexual Abuse Cases

The head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix said that about 50 priests, former priests and church employees have been accused of criminal sexual misconduct with minors in the diocese over the last 30 years.

Bishop Thomas O’Brien also said the diocese has paid close to $2 million to settle 12 to 15 suits involving sexual abuse or harassment since 1982, the Arizona Republic reported. The bishop said some of those accused were convicted or acquitted, and “a large number” faced accusations that investigators found were untrue or meritless.