ROCHESTER (NY)
Catholic Courier
By Rob Cullivan/Catholic Courier
ROCHESTER -- Father Michael J. Volino pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court May 25 to one felony count of possession of computer child pornography.
The priest admitted that he possessed child pornography on his computer in October 2004. According to an FBI affidavit, an employee of the Diocese of Rochester had discovered the pornography while servicing Father Volino's computer in January, and the diocese alerted authorities.
After Father Volino entered his plea, U.S. Judge David G. Larimer ordered him to remain under house arrest in the Rochester area pending his sentencing, slated for Sept. 8.
Under federal sentencing guidelines, the priest could receive 46 to 57 months in prison and be fined between $10,000 and $100,000, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Resnick. However, Father Volino's lawyer, John Parrinello, noted that the federal sentencing guidelines are not mandatory, and that the priest could receive less jail time or even a sentence of probation.
Following the court proceeding, Parrinello noted that the priest had expressed regret for his actions.
Posted by kshaw at June 2, 2005 05:10 PM