Judge Throws Out Conviction of Retired Priest in Abuse Case

PITTSBURGH (AP) — A judge in Allegheny County has thrown out the conviction of a retired Roman Catholic priest accused of having assaulted a boy almost two decades ago. Common Pleas Judge Anthony Mariani said Monday he believed the Rev. Hugh Lang hadn’t received a fair trial. A spokesman for the county district attorney’s office vowed an appeal, saying officials believed the decision was “contrary to the law.” The 89-year-old defendant was convicted of indecent assault and other charges involving a preteen boy in 2001 when he was pastor of St. Therese of Lisieux Parish in Munhall. He denied any abuse.