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	Update: Former Catholic Priest William Casey Sentenced to 35 to 40 Years in Prison The Tricities November 23, 2011 http://www2.tricities.com/news/2011/nov/23/1/former-catholic-priest-william-casey-awaits-senten-ar-1489736/ [with video] A former Catholic priest, convicted of sexually abusing a boy in his parish nearly 30 years ago learned his punishment today. In July, a Sullivan County jury found William Casey guilty of one count of first degree sexual conduct and two counts of aggravated rape. Because the crimes happened so long ago, laws regarding the offenses changed. So, in August, a judge delayed Casey's sentencing to give everyone involved in the case more time to figure out the law as it applies to this circumstance. Judge Robert Montgomery sentenced Casey to a minimum of 35, a maximum of 40 years in prison. The judge's recommendation, which the D.A. supported, is for Casey to be released after serving 30 percent of that sentence. This means it will be 10.5 to 12 years at the earliest before the former priest, who will soon turn 78, is a free man. Prosecutors pushed for a maximum sentence of 50 years saying Casey forever changed his victim Warren Tucker's life. During today's hearing, Tucker told the judge the sexual abuse affected his marriages, his relationships and his jobs. He also said they led to drug and alcohol abuse. Casey's attorney argued the former priest should serve a minimum sentence of no more than 15 years behind bars saying Casey is a good man who made a mistake but has since changed. Rick Spivey also argued aside from his crimes with this victim, Casey had no other criminal history. In the end, the judge found some middle ground, deciding on a prison sentence of 35 to 40 years. William Casey still faces a criminal trial in Scott County, Va. on similar charges involving the same victim. Former Catholic priest William Casey is awaiting sentencing after being found guilty of first degree criminal sexual conduct and aggravated rape. Nate Morabito is in the courtroom and will have a full report beginning at 5 p.m. on 11Connects.
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