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	W. Mass. Priest Convicted of Abuse By Matthew Campbell CBS 3 July 17, 2009 http://www.cbs3springfield.com/news/local/50988632.html [with video] A former Western Mass priest accused of abusing boys is convicted. The father of one those of boys tells us he feels justice has finally been served. Joe McMorrow says Father Aaron Cote abused his son, "We just take it a day at a time." This week, Cote who was accused of molesting his teenage son was convicted. McMorrow says, "This man is guilty, and his consequences are going to make children safer." In 2001, Western Masses own, Father Cote, was accused of abusing alter boy Brandon Rains at a Maryland church. Police say instead of counseling the teen, Cote lured him into his home for sex. Rains was the first to speak out. McMorrow says, "He was the key witness." Soon after, two Springfield boys followed, with allegations Cote abused them in 2005, during a Western Mass visit. We learned Cote, a Holyoke Catholic grad, was born and raised here, and served at St. Theresa's in South Hadley, and in Westfield at St. Mary's, all during the 90s. McMorrow says, "He was known to have young boys in his sleeping quarters on a regular basis. People expressed concern over it. In retrospect, it was behavior consistent of a sexual predator." But even after Rains' first allegation in 2003, Cote continued to "pray" on. He transferred to a Rhode Island parish and more abuse accusations piled up. McMorrow says, "He was removed from ministry when Brandon reported and restored to ministry within 90 days." Final action only taken when criminal charges were filed last year. McMorrow says, "He hired an attorney and filed a civil action." That, shutting Cote down. McMorrow says, "That was the day that AJ Cote was no longer in active ministry." This week, Cote was convicted of sexually abusing Rains, bringing the years long saga to an end. McMorrow says, "The spirit of what they did was not to protect children. It was to protect the reputation of this accused person." Now while Cote was found guilty, he will not face jail time. Court records show Cote plea bargained down to 10 years probation. His official sentence comes in October. The diocese did not get involved right away because Cote was a Dominican order priest, and the Diocese has no or little authority over them.
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