SANTA ANA (CA)
The Orange County Register
By VIK JOLLY and LARRY WELBORN / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
SANTA ANA – A retired priest Friday pleaded guilty to charges of molesting a 7- to 9-year-old boy at a Costa Mesa church nearly two decades ago.
Denis Lyons, 77, of Seal Beach, admitted to four felony counts of lewd conduct with a child younger than 14, pursuant to a plea agreement with prosecutors.
He answered “Yes, your honor” to most of Superior Court Judge Francisco Briseno’s questions, who will sentence him May 25. Lyons could have been sentenced to 14 years in state prison if convicted at trial, but has agreed to serve one year in county jail and five years probation.
Deputy District Attorney Heather Brown said her office took into account the victim’s wishes to resolve the case without having to go through the ordeal of a publicized trial in reaching an agreement with Lyons.
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