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Attorneys: Archdiocese, 4 Victims Of Pedophile Priest Reach $8M Settlement

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Four men abused by pedophile priest Daniel McCormack will receive more than $8 million from the Archdiocese of Chicago  under a settlement disclosed Thursday.

McCormack is now an ex-priest.

The victims of sexual abuse will receive about $2 million each, attorneys for the men said in a news release.

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Their lawyers say they were all between the ages of 11 and 13 when the abuse began.

McCormack was pastor of St. Agatha's Church.

"I think the Archdiocese recognized that there was one of their own who was determined to be a known pedophile and they have attempted to right a terrible wrong," plaintiff attorney Glenn Guth said of the settlements, reached in pre-trial negotiations.

The allegations that ultimately led to criminal charges against McCormack date back to August 2005, but he was not removed from his post until the charges were approved three months later.

At the time, Cardinal George conceded that he should have launched an investigation against McCormack sooner. In early February 2006, he issued a letter of apology that said "our response… was sorely inadequate."

McCormack spent 2 ½ years in prison. He is currently in a mental health facility.

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