First Witness Takes Stand in Trial of Former Priest Charged with Sex Abuse

WLKY
April 15, 2014

http://www.wlky.com/news/first-witness-takes-stand-in-trial-of-former-priest-charged-with-sex-abuse/25495038

The trial of a former priest charged with sexual abuse while he worked for the Archdiocese of Louisville began its second day Tuesday.

James Schook is accused of abusing two boys in the 1970s.

The trial was delayed several times after Schook was diagnosed with terminal skin cancer.

Judge Mitch Perry ruled Schook competent to stand trial and a jury was seated Monday.

The testimony Tuesday painted Schook as a mentor that was trusted by the church and the alleged victims' parents.

He was also portrayed as a predator that routinely had sex with the boys.

"I was extremely uncomfortable, but I was trapped. I had nowhere to go from there. It was devastating," one the alleged victims testified.

Graphic details were presented Tuesday from alleged victims outlining years of sexual abuse by Schook.

Victims' said Schook often abused them inside and outside of the church, including at victims' homes.

One victim took the stand and spoke of meeting Schook in his early teens while in a youth group at St. Thomas More Church.

He said Schook often drove him around and spent time around his family

He claimed the sexual abuse began while inside Schook's home at the rectory.

"Instead of going in and saying, 'Hi Mom and Dad,' and telling them what we did, I went to my bedroom and cried my eyes out and wondered how this could be coming from a priest," the alleged victim said.

Alleged victims said Schook told them that vows of celibacy only applied to women and not men.

They also claimed they were manipulated not to tell anyone

"He told me If I ever told anyone, he'd say I was a liar. He said he's a priest and no one would believe me and 'God will get you for that,'" the alleged victim said.

Schook is facing sodomy charges.

His trial resumes Wednesday morning.