BURLINGTON, Vt. -
Today, a settlement in a 40 year battle between the Roman Catholic Diocese in Burlington and twelve former altar boys.
The victims say in the 1970's they were sexually molested by former Priest Edward Paquette.
And just before opening statements began in the two week trial, the victims agreed to a substantial financial payout.
The amount hasn't been made public.
The diocese is accused of covering up the molestations and keeping Paquette a priest in Rutland, Montpelier and Burlington churches.
"Our hope is that with the resolution that the diocese can move forward, I mean it's been a financial burden, but bankruptcy is not part of the plan," Attorney, Tom McCormick said, who represents the Diocese.
"If you were molested as a child, from what I am told, you never get closure, but what you do get to do is close a chapter in a book," Attorney, Jerome O'Neill said, who represents eleven of the victims.
In 2010, 27 other victims reached a multi-million dollar settlement with the Burlington Diocese.
Until he was defrocked four years ago, Edward Paquette was still a priest.
Because too much time has passed, Paquette will not serve time in jail.
