Man Facing Rape Charges Allowed Religious Trip to Vatican

Boston Channel
February 16, 2012

http://www.thebostonchannel.com/r/30473188/detail.html

A Quincy developer facing statutory rape charges was granted permission to travel to Italy for a private guided tour of the Vatican.

William O'Connell, 72, was indicted on four counts of statutory rape, stemming from his alleged involvement with a now 15-year-old girl during a two-year period, according to the Patriot Ledger.

Norfolk County Superior Court Judge Kenneth J. Fishman granted O'Connell's request to travel to Rome at the end of this month.

According to a request filed in court, the purpose of his trip is to "have a religious experience by having many private guided tours of the Vatican in order to more thoroughly understand the history of the Roman Catholic Church," the newspaper reported.

O’Connell is also facing a cocaine-trafficking charge after police said they found drugs in a safe in his Marina Bay condominium.

He was previously granted permission to travel to Florida and Colorado, where he has business interests.

He and his associates plan to stay at the Hotel Columbus, which is owned by the church.