Archdiocese spokesman: Mediation ends without deal

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A spokesman for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee says mediation in its bankruptcy case has ended without a deal with sexual abuse victims and others owed money.

A second round of talks started Monday in Minnesota. Archdiocese spokesman Jerry Topczewski said in an email Tuesday afternoon that it had ended without an agreement.

Attorneys for the archdiocese, victims of clergy sexual abuse and others involved in the case started mediation earlier this month to try to end the long-running case.

A court order prevents Topczewski and others involved from discussing details of the process or why it failed.

The archdiocese filed for bankruptcy in 2011, saying it wouldn't have the money to pay if it lost lawsuits filed by abuse victims. Hundreds of victims then filed claims in bankruptcy court.