Former Louisville Priest Sentenced on Sex Abuse Conviction

WLKY
May 30, 2014

http://www.wlky.com/news/former-priest-sentenced-on-sex-abuse-conviction/26244866#!SAcUI


A former Louisville priest convicted of sexually abusing two boys was sentenced Friday morning.

A judge followed a jury recommendation for a 15-year prison sentence for 64-year-old James Schook.

He was found guilty on three counts of sodomy and one count of indecent or immoral practices for crimes that happened in the 1970s.

Following formal sentencing, Schook was escorted directly to jail, despite his attorney's best efforts to keep him out.

The defense attorney argued Schook, who has terminal cancer, should remain out of jail because he would not get proper medical attention in prison.

The defense left the courtroom without saying a word to the media, but the prosecutor and an alleged victim, whose case was dismissed on a technicality, spoke to reporters.

"It's felt very good to see him finally led away so that did give me a sigh of relief. It does bring down the anxiety a little bit and while he's in prison I wish him the best," the alleged victim said.

"I think that this is a wonderful vindication of the courage that they showed to come forward and present their claims. This is a happy day for them and I am happy for them," Balliet said.

Schook is still a priest. There is no word yet from the Vatican on if he'll be defrocked. The archdiocese removed him from public ministry in 2010.