Accused Priest's Attorneys Meet with Judge over Possible Plea Deal, WMAQ, March 21, 2007

Accused Priest's Attorneys Meet with Judge over Possible Plea Deal

WMAQ
March 21, 2007

http://www.nbc5.com/news/11319565/detail.html

Chicago — Attorneys for a Roman Catholic priest accused of sexually abusing several children in Chicago met with a Cook County judge Wednesday.

Daniel McCormack appeared in a Cook County courtroom on Wednesday.

NBC5's Mary Ann Ahern reported that the 38-year-old McCormack's attorneys requested a private meeting in the judge's chambers. Judge Thomas Sumner wanted a conference in open court, but allowed all of the lawyers to meet in his chambers. McCormack's attorneys wanted to know what would happen to McCormack if he pleads guilty. It would be up to the judge to decide if McCormack receives jail time.

"McCormack has asked for, 'What happens if I plead guilty?'" said Peggy Hough of the Survivors Network. "Perhaps, May 1, we'll find out then what."

Attorneys met for about an hour in the judge's chambers. Afterward, Sumner scheduled the status hearing, set for May 1.

As McCormack left the court, a woman who said she was the mother of a victim told reporters, "I hope he does plead, because he's guilty."

Wednesday's proceedings do not mean McCormack is pleading guilty, but there was a strong indication that was where the case was headed, Ahern reported.

"My hope, honestly, is that McCormack goes to jail for a long time," Hough said. "But that while in jail, he will get the help that he desperately needs."

Neither McCormack's attorneys nor prosecutors would speak with reporters.

While avoiding a trial would spare victims, Ahern reported, survivors of abuse said they want full disclosure.

"If we get a guilty plea, if he's sent to jail, there is some exposure," Hough said. "However, we still don't have the whole story."

McCormack is charged with five counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. He's accused of fondling five boys at Our Lady of the Westside School's two campuses and the nearby St. Agatha Catholic Church.

He's pleaded not guilty.

Previous Stories:

• March 20, 2007: Priest May Plead Guilty To Child Sex Abuse, Sources Say