The next priest sex abuse trial against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington is scheduled to begin in August.

Officials with the Chittenden County Superior Court say the next three cases all involve allegations against the Rev. Edward Paquette, who is retired.

There are about 20 cases pending against the diocese.

Earlier this month a jury awarded a 40-year-old man $8.7 million in damages. The man claimed the diocese failed to protect him from Paquette, a known child molester.

Church officials say the latest jury verdict is a threat to church programs. They are vowing to appeal.

The next case scheduled for trial involves a former Montpelier altar boy who claims Paquette molested him in the 1970s.