Former Priest Gets Maximum Sentence for Molesting Boy

An angry judge on Thursday sentenced defrocked Roman Catholic priest John Geoghan to a maximum sentence of nine to 10 years in prison for molesting a 10-year-old boy at a community swimming pool in 1991.

“This defendant hid behind his collar and in the safety and sanctity of the Roman Catholic Church,” Judge Sandra Hamlin declared during a 25-minute explanation of how she reached her decision. “He engaged in what this court can only characterize as reprehensible and depraved behavior.”

The trial and conviction of the slight, graying ex-priest unleashed a pedophilia scandal that has rocked the Boston Archdiocese and the heavily Catholic population of Massachusetts. Disclosures that church officials knew about Geoghan and other allegedly abusive priests prompted many in Boston to call for the resignation of Cardinal Bernard F. Law, the most senior Catholic prelate in America.

While protesters picketed Law’s residence in Boston, the uproar spread to parishes throughout New England--and indeed, across the country. Hundreds of adult men and women came forth to charge that they were abused by priests as children. In many regions, priests were summarily removed from their duties in response.

Geoghan, 66, will face additional, more serious criminal charges in two pending cases. More than 130 people have accused Geoghan of molesting them during his 30 years as a priest. In addition, more than 80 civil suits stemming from sexual abuse allegations are pending against him.

At least two civil suits have been filed against Law as a result of information obtained during this first case against Geoghan. While acknowledging that the church knowingly moved priests charged with pedophilia to assignments where they would have contact with children, Law has insisted repeatedly that he will not step down.

In the course of the Geoghan trial, documents were unsealed by court order showing that over the last decade, the archdiocese has settled child sex abuse claims against at least 70 priests. The diocese reportedly has paid out more than $10 million in child sexual abuse settlements.

As a result of the Geoghan case, the church has provided police with the names of up to 80 priests accused over the last 40 years of molesting children.

Around New England, priests and parishioners alike have gathered for “listening sessions” where the faithful vent anger and frustration about the growing controversy.

In issuing her sentence, Hamlin pointedly faulted Geoghan for failing to take responsibility for his actions. She also criticized the former priest for failing to show remorse for the anguish he caused his victim.

“Particularly troubling and of great concern for the court is that the common thread running through the defendant’s statements is that he blames the victim and minimizes his conduct,” she said.

The victim, now a 20-year-old college student, said in court Thursday that he felt “nauseous” because Geoghan appeared so emotionless during the trial.

“I don’t think I need an expert opinion to tell me . . . that this defendant is a serious danger to any preadolescent he comes in contact with,” Hamlin added.

The judge was careful to tell the court that she was punishing Geoghan for his deeds in this case only--not for pending charges or for the firestorm the case has produced.

“This defendant is not going to be punished for other priests or for what the church may or may not have done,” the judge said.

Nevertheless, defense attorney Geoffrey Packard wasted no time in pronouncing the sentence “draconian.”

Geoghan’s sentence exceeded state guidelines for the charges, which recommend a term of one to three years.

Hamlin suspended all but six years of Geoghan’s sentence. He will remain on probation for life when released.

Geoghan’s attorney argued that conflicting testimony from the victim and his mother cast sufficient doubt on the charges against Geoghan to justify an acquittal.