Updated Jan. 18, 2002, 2:30 p.m. ET
Mass. jury convicts former priest

 

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) — A defrocked priest was convicted Friday of indecent assault and battery for improperly touching a 10-year-old boy at a swimming pool a decade ago.

John Geoghan, 66, still faces two other criminal cases and 84 civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual abuse of children. He was still a priest at the time of the 1991 episode.

As he had through much of the trial, Geoghan showed no emotion as the verdict was read. He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison.

Since 1995, more than 130 people have claimed Geoghan fondled or raped them during the three decades he served in Boston-area parishes.

A jury of eight men and four women deliberated about eight hours over two days before reaching a verdict.

Earlier Friday, jurors asked the judge to what extent they should consider the boy's mother's testimony. Judge Sandra Hamlin replied that her testimony could be used only to corroborate her son's testimony, not to fill in gaps in the story.

In closing arguments Thursday, prosecutor Lynn Rooney said Geoghan betrayed the boy's trust when he allegedly grabbed his buttocks in the swimming pool.

Defense attorney Geoffrey Packard, however, implied the abuse charge was all about money, noting the alleged victim didn't come forward until eight years after the incident, and only after consulting an attorney, who later filed a civil suit.

Rooney said that if the victim was after money, he would have come up with a more dramatic story.

Packard questioned the alleged victim's account of the molestation, saying it allegedly occurred during a family swim with at least one lifeguard and 10 other people present.

Since 1995, more than 130 people have claimed Geoghan fondled or raped them during the three decades he served in Boston-area parishes.

The two remaining cases charge him with two counts each of child rape and child molestation. The first is scheduled to go to trial Feb. 20. He is also facing 84 civil lawsuits.

 
Case background


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