Date set for Green Bay abuse lawsuit retrial

By The Associated Press

CREATED Sep. 6, 2012

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APPLETON, Wis. (AP) -- A new trial date has been set in a lawsuit brought by two brothers who allege the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay committed fraud.

Todd and Troy Merryfield were awarded $700,000 by a jury earlier this year for how the diocese managed the Rev. John Feeney, a former priest later convicted of sexually abusing the brothers when they were boys.

However, a judge tossed out the verdict, saying a juror was not forthcoming about her experience and views during the selection process.

The Merryfields asked the court of appeals to hear an appeal of that decision before a second trial could be held. However, the appeals court denied that request Wednesday, according to online court records.

WLUK-TV reports the new trial is scheduled for May 6.