JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (AP) -- The Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown has offered details on the cost of the clergy abuse scandal.
The latest edition of the diocese's official publication says the scandal has cost it $21.5 million since 1999.
Of that amount, $15.7 million has gone to settlement payouts and awards and $4.3 million to legal fees.
A letter from Bishop Mark Bartchak says 290 people have received settlements or counseling from the diocese.
A state attorney general's grand jury report has alleged the diocese protected at least 50 religious leaders suspected of abuse.
The Johnstown Tribune-Democrat reports the diocese also has paid more than $900,000 to clergy for compensation that has included salaries to members who were removed from ministry while under investigation.
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Information from: The Tribune-Democrat, http://www.tribune-democrat.com