NEW : District attorney says an appeal is likely . William Lynn , 62 , was the first Catholic priest convicted of covering up child abuse crimes . District attorney finds lower court violated laws on child endangerment . Judge calls decision a ` ` very technical reading of the law , '' website said .
NEW : District attorney says an appeal is likely . William Lynn , 62 , was the first Catholic priest convicted of covering up sex abuse crimes . Appeals court finds lower court misapplied laws on child endangerment . Detractor called decision a `` very technical reading of the law , '' website reports .