Father James Brennan says he steels himself for his coming retrial for attempted rape by remembering a promise that he made when he became a priest, "to follow the example of Jesus."
In June, a Philadelphia jury deadlocked on that charge and a child-endangerment count.
On Monday, Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams said, "We want to hold James Brennan accountable for what he did. The only way for us to do that, through our system of justice, is with a trial. So we're going to try him again."
Brennan is accused of trying to rape a 14-year-old boy back in 1996. He was tried alongside Monsignor William Lynn, who became the highest-ranking Catholic church official convicted of a crime when he was found guilty of child endangerment.
Lynn is to be sentenced on Tuesday.
Williams said his office will ask for the maximum sentence of seven years.
Brennan's attorney battered his accuser in the first trial.
Defense Attorney William Brennan, when asked if he would take the same brickbat to the alleged victim, said "only if there's not two available."
Brennan added, "I am disappointed and I will defend as zealously, if not more so, the second time around."
Father James Brennan said his faith and friends got him through the first trial. He claimed the attempted rape charge is "completely unfounded, as far as I am concerned." His attorney expects the new trail will take place next year.
Friday, June 7 2013 11:24 PM EDT2013-06-08 03:24:19 GMT
In the days after the building collapse that killed six people and injured more than a dozen in Center City, officials are shedding light on some things that happened before the disaster.
In the days after the building collapse that killed six people and injured more than a dozen in Center City, officials are shedding light on some things that happened before the disaster. And they're promising to make sure they don't happen again.
Thursday, June 6 2013 11:07 PM EDT2013-06-07 03:07:14 GMT
A top, local school official voluntarily resigns after a district investigation. FOX 29 Investigates broke the story. Find out how much it cost taxpayers.
A top, local school official voluntarily resigns after a district investigation. FOX 29 Investigates broke the story. Find out how much it cost taxpayers.
Thursday, June 6 2013 7:58 PM EDT2013-06-06 23:58:23 GMT
FOX 29 wants to know who applied for the permits to tear down that building, and who was checking up on this job? Investigative Reporter Jeff Cole is working to get us answers.
FOX 29 wants to know who applied for the permits to tear down that building, and who was checking up on this job? Investigative Reporter Jeff Cole is working to get us answers.
Tuesday, May 28 2013 11:19 AM EDT2013-05-28 15:19:52 GMT
A local elected official hits the gas again when FOX 29 Investigates' Jeff Cole tries to ask him a few questions about why a ghost worker was on his staff.
A local elected official hits the gas again when FOX 29 Investigates' Jeff Cole tries to ask him a few questions about why a ghost worker was on his staff.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:14 PM EDT2013-06-20 02:14:32 GMT
At approximately 2:45pm Wednesday afternoon, a bank robbery occurred at the National Penn Bank on E. High Street in Pottstown, PA. Police have captured three of the fours suspects so far.
At approximately 2:45pm Wednesday afternoon, a bank robbery occurred at the National Penn Bank on E. High Street in Pottstown, PA. Police have captured three of the fours suspects so far.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:19 PM EDT2013-06-20 00:19:58 GMT
Breaking news in North Philadelphia on the 2300 block of North Tenth Street, where three people, including a pregnant woman, were shot. This happened just before four this afternoon.
Breaking news in North Philadelphia on the 2300 block of North Tenth Street, where three people, including a pregnant woman, were shot. This happened just before four this afternoon.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:11 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:11:57 GMT
If you hated going to traffic court in Philadelphia, you won't have to anymore! Today, Governor Tom Corbett signed a bill abolishing traffic court,effective immediately.
If you hated going to traffic court in Philadelphia, you won't have to anymore! Today, Governor Tom Corbett signed a bill abolishing traffic court,effective immediately.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:57 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:57:28 GMT
A main line mascot gets the boot. At issue: cultural sensitivity.It's an issue that's been playing out on athletic fields all over America: re-thinking team names and the mascots that go with them.
A main line mascot gets the boot. At issue: cultural sensitivity.It's an issue that's been playing out on athletic fields all over America: re-thinking team names and the mascots that go with them.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:47 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:47:02 GMT
City administration officials came before a City Council committee with orders not to talk about the building collapse, but that didn't stop council members from raising questions.
City administration officials came before a City Council committee with orders not to talk about the building collapse, but that didn't stop council members from raising questions.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:06 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:06:59 GMT
Six of the people accused in one of the largest public corruption cases in our area's history plead guilty today in court. 18 people total are accused of bilking the Bensalem school district.
Six of the people accused in one of the largest public corruption cases in our area's history plead guilty today in court. 18 people total are accused of bilking the Bensalem school district.
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