Former Priest Convicted of Child Sexual Assault Charges

WCSH
March 17, 2015

http://www.wcsh6.com/story/news/local/bangor/2015/03/17/former-priest-convicted-for-sexual-assault-charges/24908661/

A Greek Orthodox priest in Bangor admitted that he inappropriately touched two teenage boys five years ago.

A former Greek Orthodox priest from Bangor has been convicted of four counts of sexually abusing a minor.

A judge delivered the verdict Tuesday against 52-year-old Adam Metropoulos. Metropoulos had already pleaded guilty to child pornography charges and violation of privacy involving the secret video taping of a woman while she was showering in September.

The trial began Monday with testimony from a former altar boy at St. George Greek Orthodox Church. The man, now 23 years old, said he had been sexually assaulted by Metropoulos when he slept at the priest's home as a teenager. The man said he often pretended to be asleep during the assaults and did not come forward as a young teen for fear that he would "shatter people's lives."

The disgraced priest took the stand Tuesday, defending himself against the allegations saying he never had sex with the victim, but did admit to touching him inappropriately in his private parts only once while he was sleeping.

Superior Court Justice Ann Murray said she found the victim to be a "very credible witness" and denied Metropoulos's testimony, finding him guilty across all four counts of the charge.

According to Deputy District Attorney of Penobscot County, Michael Roberts, Metropoulos will have to register as a sex offender for life.

Metropoulos has been unable to make bail since his arrest in September. According to Roberts, Metropoulos could face 11 years, all but four suspended, behind bars for the sexual abuse charges. He will be sentenced in two weeks.