Ex-Priest Guilty of Molesting Baby-Sitter in ’87

The first trial of former Roman Catholic priest James R. Porter, who is accused of sexually abusing dozens of children in three states, ended Friday in his conviction for molesting a 15-year-old baby-sitter in 1987.

The woman, who is now 21 years old, wept as the verdict was announced in a courtroom crowded with some of the dozens of people who have accused Porter of abusing them while he was a priest in Massachusetts, Minnesota and New Mexico.

“I got what I wanted,” said the woman, who agreed to be identified only by her first name, Sara. “I know he needs help. He’s a sick man.”

Porter, 57, showed no emotion when the verdict was read. He left the courtroom without comment after being released in his attorney’s custody. Defense attorney Paul Lukas said he was considering an appeal based on what he said were prejudicial statements by prosecutors in closing arguments.

Jury foreman Eric Ayen said the jurors believed Porter was guilty but initially had too many doubts to convict him. He said the jury’s first vote was 8 to 4 to acquit Porter. Ultimately, the decision hinged on Sara’s credibility, he said.

“We had to decide whether or not she was telling the truth,” said Ayen, a mental health social worker. “We decided she was. She had no motive to lie, is what it really came down to. We really wanted to give her story a chance.”

Porter will be sentenced Jan. 28 on six counts of criminal sexual conduct. Each count carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine, but state guidelines urge probation for a person with no other convictions.

Frank Fitzpatrick of Cranston, R.I., who last summer made the first public allegations against Porter, hugged Sara and thanked her for coming forward.

“It’s a big step, a lot of validation,” he said. “She was the focal point for every single one of us. We’re hoping now for justice to be done in Massachusetts.”

Porter faces criminal charges involving 32 people in Massachusetts. He also faces lawsuits by alleged victims in Minnesota and New Mexico. The Roman Catholic diocese of Fall River, Mass., recently settled out of court with the 68 alleged victims there, reportedly for up to $5 million.