April 06, 2005

Clergyman ordered to undergo evaluation

CHELSEA (MA)
Boston Globe

By Glenn Yoder, Globe Correspondent | April 6, 2005

A North Shore Catholic priest accused of propositioning a 12-year-old girl and her mother at a Chelsea restaurant in January must be evaluated for substance abuse and mental health problems and undergo sexual offender assessment to determine whether he needs treatment, a judge has ruled.

The Rev. Jerome Gillespie, 55, also must not contact anyone under 18, unless he explains the case and disposition to both the child and their guardian, Judge Sarah B. Singer ruled Monday in Chelsea District Court, where the case was continued without a finding.

If Gillespie violates the conditions, he can be tried again, said David Procopio, a spokesman for the Suffolk district attorney.

Gillespie allegedly approached the girl and her mother at Floramo's in Chelsea on Jan. 25 and offered to pay them for oral sex. He agreed to a two-year continuance, after which the charges will be dropped, Procopio said.

''We're satisfied with this disposition because it serves three purposes," Procopio said. ''One, it holds him accountable for his actions. Two, it satisfies the victims who are in accordance with this disposition, and three, it will determine whether the defendant has any issues that require medical help or counseling."

Posted by kshaw at April 6, 2005 02:54 AM