Victim upset Green Bay Diocese wants new trial after losing sex abuse case

The Catholic Church in Green Bay wants a new trial after losing a big lawsuit to two victims of clergy sex abuse.

Todd Merryfield told TODAY'S TMJ4 he's frustrated by the Green Bay Diocese's decision to seek a new civil trial. He says it flies in the face of all their teachings.  

"It was so painful for me, my brother my family, it really tore us apart," said Merryfield.

Todd and his younger brother Troy were molested by Father John Feeney in 1978.  

The Outagamie County priest was convicted of abusing the boys in 2004.

To this day he still carries the painful burden of that awful night.

"I was the big brother," said Merryfield, while choking back tears. "I didn't protect my little brother and that is so hard."

Todd and his brother won a $700,000 lawsuit against the Green Bay Diocese last month. 

They accused the church of withholding information and knowing Feeney was a danger to children.

The Merryfields have confidential documents from the Green Bay Diocese about widespread accusations of sex abuse against Feeney.  

The church denies any fraud allegations and now wants a new civil trial.

Todd said this case isn't about the money, it's about finding the truth. 

"We want them to recognize what they did and take action to prevent it from happening again," said Todd.  "Take responsibility for what you did."

The Green Bay Diocese is asking for a new trial, claiming a juror's response on a questionnaire demonstrates the juror was biased.