LOS ANGELES (CA)
LA Daily News
By Linda Deutsch, Associated Press
A prosecutor urged jurors Thursday to convict a priest of sexual-molestation charges, depicting him as an unrepentant sinner whose crimes wrecked the lives of those he abused.
With retired Catholic priest Michael Wempe watching impassively from across the courtroom, Deputy District Attorney Todd Hicks spoke of crimes against many men who have accused the defendant of molesting them.
"In this case you can see what he has done to wreck lives," Hicks said. "You have seen the alcoholism, drug abuse, failed relationships, confusion. You have seen questions and you have seen secrets."
He said many of the men who were molested as boys didn't come forward until news of a church scandal in Boston triggered their memories.