Former Priest Sentenced for Hiring Hit Man to Kill Teen

NewsWest 9
May 18, 2012

http://www.newswest9.com/story/18558842/former-priest-sentenced-for-hiring-hit-man-to-kill-a-teen

DALLAS - A former Catholic priest has been sentenced for hiring a hit man to kill a teen he's accused of raping.

That teen was found in Big Spring where police say John Fiala had set the boy up in an apartment and enrolled him in school.

A Dallas jury sentenced John Fiala to 60 years in prison for the murder for hire plot. He'll be eligible for parole in 15 years.

John Fiala was convicted on Thursday.

Police say Fiala hired a hit man in Dallas to kill the 16-year-old teen.

That hit man was actually an uncover cop.

Investigators say Fiala met the 16-year-old boy in Rock Springs, Texas, where he was a priest at a parish.

He would take the boy to big spring to visit his girlfriend.

During sentencing the boy, who is now 20-years-old, told jurors' Fiala would rape him along the way at hotels.

At one point, he forced him at gunpoint.

We're told Fiala later set up the boy in an apartment in Big Spring and enrolled him in school as a homeless person.

Eventually the boy's family became suspicious and called authorities.

The boy told jurors he was afraid to say anything because Fiala had threatened to hurt his family.

Fiala was arrested, posted bail and then moved to Dallas and that's where he paid the hit man.

Fiala is also charged with raping the boy in Howard County.

There is no word on if or when Fiala will face those charges.