A Roman Catholic monsignor convicted in a landmark case involving the sexual abuse of children by priests is due in court for sentencing.

Monsignor William Lynn faces 3-1/2 to seven years in prison on Tuesday for his felony child endangerment conviction.

The 61-year-old Lynn is the first Catholic church official in the U.S. convicted for his role in the handling of abuse claims.

However, Bishop Robert Finn and the Kansas City diocese are facing a misdemeanor charge of failing to report suspected child sexual abuse. Both have pleaded not guilty.

Lynn has been in prison since the June 22 jury verdict, when the trial judge revoked his bail.

Defense lawyers call Lynn a scapegoat for the Philadelphia archdiocese. They hope to get him released while he appeals the conviction.