February 08, 2006

Mom pleads to be spared of abuse details

LOS ANGELES (CA)
Monterey County Herald

By LINDA DEUTSCH
Associated Press

LOS ANGELES - A tearful mother testifying in the trial of a priest who allegedly molested her sons pleaded with attorneys Tuesday: "Please don't tell me any more!"
Margaret Percival, whose three sons say they were molested by their beloved parish priest, Michael Wempe, was overcome by emotion several times as questions from attorneys gave her details she said she did not know about the abuse of her sons.
She dissolved in tears shortly after taking the stand Monday when the prosecutor asked if she knew that one son had turned to drugs including crystal meth. The court had to recess briefly while she sobbed.
On Tuesday, Deputy District Attorney Todd Hicks asked her if she knew that her youngest son had been orally copulated by the priest.

Posted by kshaw at February 8, 2006 09:05 AM