A career of conning the Catholics

[Ian David]

Thursday, March 22, 2007

While all the claims against the Portland Archdiocese and its wayward priests have been settled, it's impossible to calculate the number of bridges burned, reputations destroyed, lawyers exhausted (and enriched), and nightmares put to rest. But before the Catholic Church and its abuse survivors attempt to move on, I wanted to say a few words about claimant #95.

After the archdiocese decided to cut its losses in bankruptcy court, almost 150 cases were mediated and settled for $40.7 million, an average claim of $279,000. Until last week, only 16 cases remained unresolved because the plaintiffs were demanding more money than the church and its lawyers were willing to pay.

One "victim," claimant #95, was a guy named Brian LaGrand.

LaGrand definitely has a history with the Catholic Church. In 2002, LaGrand and a buddy were indicted in federal court for defrauding a dying priest out of $350,000.

Masquerading as a caregiver, LaGrand wheedled his way into the Portland home of Paul Zeller and gained control of the ailing priest's insurance annuity. Two weeks before Zeller died, LaGrand forged a letter, according to the feds, directing the insurance company to wire $350,000 to his buddy's bank account in Palm Springs.

More:
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/steve_duin/index.ssf?/base/news/117452493919530.xml&coll=7