By Kathy Mellott
The Tribune-Democrat
March 19, 2009
http://www.tribune-democrat.com/local/local_story_077233204.html
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| The Rev. Gerald M. Connolly heads into federal court in Johnstown on Wednesday. |
A settlement between a former inmate at the state prison in Cresson and a Franciscan priest was reached Wednesday at U.S. District Court in Johnstown
The inmate, William Victor, now at SCI-Fayette, filed a civil suit in November 2007 against the Rev. Gerard M. Connolly, 67, seeking damages in excess of $3 million. Victor said in the suit the two had sexual contact at the Cresson prison.
The terms of the settlement were sealed immediately, said federal Magistrate Keith Pesto. However, it was indicated the agreed-upon amount was far less than what Victor had sought.
Connolly served at more than a half dozen churches in the area during a number of years.
He was working at the prison as a counselor in 2006, when Victor said the sexual encounters occurred.
The priest, through a contract his order had with the state Department of Corrections, was chaplain at the prison from March 2006 until March 2007.
He was charged by state police with smuggling alcohol to the prisoner and having sexual contact with him during counseling sessions.
Connolly was placed on Cambria County’s Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program for first-time offenders in May and was placed on 23 months probation. He will be able to clear his criminal record if he successfully completes the probation.
Victor also was charged because he extorted hush money from the priest.
Victor pleaded guilty in February 2008 and was sentenced to two years probation to be served after his prison term.
He is serving 42 to 86 years for sexually assaulting a woman at gunpoint and trying to rob her and her husband at a resort in eastern Pennsylvania.
Victor had the option of a trial by judge or jury or negotiating a settlement.
After the hearing, Pesto said he was pleased both parties were willing to negotiate, which saved significant time for the court.
Pesto said he retains jurisdiction in the case should there be a problem with the terms of the settlement being carried out.
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