Aldo Botti

Attorney Carla Labunski, who represented Ryvold, gave a brief statement from attorney Aldo Botti regarding the issues of voter disenfranchisement and the "spirit of the law."

"The press release not only contains many inaccuracies, but also statements that further injure my client's good reputation," attorney Aldo Botti said.

The lawsuit names the diocese and church officials as defendants.

Around the nation, at least one other priest has sued his diocese for defamation and several have filed lawsuits against their accusers.One has filed a defamation claim under church law.

About 300 priests have either been dismissed from their duties or resigned since the sex abuse scandal erupted in Boston early this year.

Aldo Botti, Thyfault's attorney, said, "we're extremely disappointed and surprised by the indictment."He said his client intends to plead innocent.

Thyfault's attorney, Aldo Botti, said he was "disappointed in the indictment because he is a highly ethical, professional family man."

Thyfault attorney Aldo Botti said his client was "disappointed in the indictment because he is a highly ethical, professional family man." Hargrove attorney Marc Martin said his client would plead innocent.