BishopAccountability.org
	Priest in Prisoner-Sex Scandal to Stand Trial By Sandra K. Reabuck The Tribune-Democrat October 5, 2007 http://www.tribune-democrat.com/local/local_story_278000959.html CRESSON — A chaplain who ostensibly had sexual contact with an inmate during counseling sessions at the SCI-Cresson and the inmate who allegedly extorted hush money to keep quiet about it will stand trial in Cambria County Court. The Rev. Gerard M. Connolly, a Franciscan priest, was a prison chaplain through a contract the state had with his order. Earlier in his career, he was pastor of churches in Windber and Northern Cambria boroughs. Connolly also is accused of smuggling in alcohol to the prisoner. The prisoner, William Victor, who authorities said was paid $7,600 in "hush" money by the priest, will stand trial on a charge of theft by extortion. Both men waived a preliminary hearing Thursday before District Judge Charity Nileski. Connolly, 66, who resides at Mount Carmel Church in Altoona, was at SCI-Cresson from March 2006 until his services were terminated in March 2007. The priest is charged with 12 counts of institutional sex assault and five counts of taking contraband – alcohol for Victor – into the state prison. Authorities said the abuse came to light after prison officials questioned Victor about a money order that had been sent to his prison account in January. The sexual contact between the two men reportedly began six months after Connolly became the chaplain, the state police said. Victor is serving from 423/4 to 861/2 years in prison for sexually assaulting a woman at gunpoint and trying to rob her and her husband at a Pocono Mountains resort. He now is at SCI-Huntingdon. Connolly, wearing a white priest's collar and black suit, did not speak with reporters as he left the magistrate's office. He was walking with the assistance of a cane and was surrounded by several friends. His attorney, Mary Ann Probst of Altoona, said only, "We waived a hearing after discussions with the district attorney, and the case now will proceed through the system." Richard Corcoran, a public defender representing Victor, said, "He waived so we can fully investigate all the allegations." Heath Long, first assistant district attorney, said that – with both men being both a defendant and a victim – there are "inherent problems" in prosecuting such a case. Despite that, the prosecution will be able to proceed because, "There was excellent investigating police work done by the state police." The earliest that the cases would be ready for trial would be January, Long said.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.