January 11, 2005

Ex-BC High coach to admit sexual abuse

BOSTON (MA)
Boston Herald

By David Weber
Tuesday, January 11, 2005

A former Boston College High School teacher and wrestling coach is slated to plead guilty today to sexually abusing two of his students at the Dorchester school during the the 1970s.

The Rev. James Talbot, 66, is scheduled to appear at 2 p.m. in Suffolk Superior Court for a change of plea in the multicount sexual abuse case. Talbot reportedly has agreed to a prison term between five and seven years.

``That's a significant amount of time for a 66-year-old man,'' said Michael S. Doherty, 36, an Auburn, Maine, man who said he was abused by Talbot when Talbot taught at Cheverus High School in Portland, Maine, after leaving BC High. ``By his pleading guilty, it would be the first time he has taken responsibility for his actions.''

Doherty is among a group of people who sued Talbot, who could not be charged criminally in Maine since the statute of limitations had run out.

``I'm not sure he's getting enough prison time, but it's better than nothing,'' said Doherty, who planned to attend today's hearing in Post Office Square.

Suffolk District Attorney Daniel Conley confirmed Talbot is expected to plead guilty to one count each of rape and assault with intent to rape and three counts of assault and battery. The crimes involve two teenagers who allegedly were victimized during wrestling practice between 1977 and 1979.

Posted by kshaw at January 11, 2005 07:24 AM