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2 Brothers Sue Prestigious Delbarton School Over Alleged Sex Abuse

MORRISTOWN, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Twin brothers who collected a sex abuse settlement from the diocese of Paterson, N.J., are suing again. They claim they were also abused by priests at an elite prep school.

Bill Crane Jr., and his twin brother, Tom, filed suit Tuesday against Delbarton, the exclusive all-boys Catholic prep school, reports CBS 2's Tony Aiello.

"This is a classic example of protecting the institution versus the safety of children," Bill Crane said.

1010 WINS' Steve Sandberg reports

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They claim unspecified sex abuse by two priests, Luke Travers and Justin Capato, back in the 1970s, when the Cranes lived on the campus where their father, Bill Crane Sr., was a teacher.

"Little did I know of the priests that were preying upon the innocence of my youth there," Bill Crane Jr. said.

The lawsuit does not offer any details of the abuse allegedly suffered by the Crane brothers, but their lawyer said it's similar to complaints made by several other young men against Father Travers -- inappropriate touching and attempted kissing.

"The abuser is never going to come out and say hey listen, I abused that child, stop me," attorney Gregory Gianforcaro said.

Seven years ago the same lawyer stood in the same spot to announce a $5 million settlement for the Crane brothers -- and two dozen other sex abuse victims of defrocked priest James Hanley.

In this case, friends of Father Capato said they're shocked.

"He's a holy man. I have no reason to believe them," said Sister Mary Ellen of the Sisters of Charity.

And through lawyer Gerard Hanlon, Father Travers denied any misconduct.

"I don't know how to answer any specifics because we don't know what they are, but, again, he denies any inappropriate behavior," Hanlon said.

The Cranes said these lawsuits will help bring closure to their pain.

"I didn't know what was happening to my brother. He didn't know what was happening to me," Tom Crane said.

Governor Chris Christie's son attends Delbarton. On Tuesday, Christie said the allegations should not overshadow all the good things happening there.

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