The accuser decided to withdraw his abuse claims after Flood's attorneys exposed several contradictions in his story, including inconsistent statements about his work history and past drug use, and fraudulent filings for federal disability benefits.
In addition, while hospitalized in New Jersey after filing his suit, the man said he had never been sexually abused, according to lawyer James S. Green Sr., who represents Flood.
An attorney for the plaintiff cautioned Monday against reading too much into his decision to drop the case.
"My client stands by his claims he was abused," said lawyer Thomas C. Crumplar. "The archdiocese is conducting its own investigation, and my client would be happy to participate."
Neither Flood nor his accuser responded to requests for an interview. Archdiocesan officials also declined to comment.
Some of Flood's former parishioners said Monday that the development should bring about Flood's quick return to the ministry, and they suggested that the archdiocese may have acted too quickly when it suspended him, following a scathing grand jury report on its handling of sexual abuse cases.
"It's a shame that such a good and dedicated man who devoted his life to the service of others had to have his good name questioned in the twilight of his career," said Andrew Harbison, a member of Flood's former congregation at St. Luke the Evangelist Church in Glenside. "He's obviously completely innocent."
Flood was among 27 priests suspended in March after a Philadelphia grand jury concluded that dozens of clergy members in active ministry had unresolved abuse claims against them.
The panel charged two priests, a defrocked priest, and a former schoolteacher with sexually abusing young boys in the 1990s. Msgr. William J. Lynn - head of the archdiocesan office of the clergy - was also arrested for allegedly covering up abuse claims.
