December 09, 2005

Philly priest sentenced to 12 years of probation in sex-abuse case

PHILADELPHIA (PA)
Philadelphia Inquirer

By Stephan Salisbury
INQUIRER STAFF WRITER

A Common Pleas Court Judge, dabbing tears from her eyes, sentenced a Roman Catholic priest to 12 years probation yesterday in the only criminal case arising from the church sex-abuse scandal in Philadelphia.

The Rev. James Behan, 61, pleaded guilty in February to repeatedly sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy, a student at North Catholic High School in the late 1970s.

Judge Pamela Dembe's court, packed with Behan supporters who traveled by bus from Wilmington, N.C., home of Behan's last parish, echoed with sighs of relief. Supporters hugged each other, many saying, "Thank God, it's over."

Gene Donohoe, whose younger brother, Martin, was the victim, said the family was surprised at the light sentence.

Posted by kshaw at December 9, 2005 04:15 PM