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	Jury Deliberating in McGuire Case Attorneys Argue over Whether Victims Made up Claims of Abuse By Jeff Coen Chicago Tribune October 24, 2008 http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-mcguire-trial-24-oct24,0,204814.story A federal jury Thursday began deliberating the fate of a former Jesuit priest accused of molesting boys during religious retreats after lawyers clashed over whether the accusers made up the abuse to make money. The two-week trial was highlighted by the testimony of the chief victim, known as Dominick, and four others who claim Donald McGuire, 78, engaged in sexual conduct with them. McGuire, once a spiritual adviser to Mother Teresa, was portrayed by prosecutors as a serial molester leading a double life who used his travels to isolate the minors from their trusting parents. In her closing argument, Assistant U.S. Atty. April Perry called McGuire "a sexual predator disguised as a priest" and said Dominick was repeatedly abused "by a man that he called 'Father.' " But McGuire's lawyer, Stephen Komie, said Dominick went to attorneys first to file a civil lawsuit before reaching out to law enforcement. " 'Hit the church, unlock the treasury and put the money in my pocket,' " Komie said of Dominick. Assistant U.S. Atty. Julie Ruder gave an emotionally charged rebuttal, calling the defense attempt to spin the evidence "frankly pathetic." None of the victims "fabricated a horrific story of abuse" in search of some windfall but instead sought a measure of justice, she said. The panel deliberated for about an hour Thursday and is to reconvene Friday. Contact: jcoen@tribune.com
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