New trial in priest sex case begins today

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A 46-year-old Virginia man will be back in court today, suing the Roman Catholic Diocese of Vermont over alleged sexual abuse by a priest 30 years ago.

A mistrial was declared last spring in the suit brought by James Turner of Virginia Beach, Va., which alleges the diocese covered up abuse by former priest Alfred Willis.

Judge Ben Joseph called the mistrial after finding that the church’s lawyer violated a pretrial order and mentioned information that was not to be put before the jury.

Turner already has settled his complaint against Willis out of court. This week’s trial is to focus on the diocese as a defendant.

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