Testimony Begins in Trial for Fmr. Priest Accused of Sexual Abuse

WHAS
April 15, 2014

http://www.whas11.com/news/local/Testimony-begins-in-trial-for-frmr-priest-accused-of-sexual-abuse-255343591.html

[with video]

Some of the content in the video player above is graphic and not suitable for all ages.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) -- Testimony got underway on Tuesday, April 15, in the sexual abuse trial of a former Louisville priest charged with molesting two boys in the 1970s.

This morning, one of the alleged victims was on the stand testifying against James Schook.

The prosecution called its first witness Tuesday morning, April 15. One of the alleged victims took the stand describing how he met James Schook when he was a 7th grader back in the ‘70s.

The victim described how he was interested in becoming a priest and Schook became a mentor figure while Schook himself was finishing seminary school and while living at Saint Rita's Catholic Church.

The victim claims the sexual abuse started when he was 13 and the two had a relationship together lasting several years.

The victim said he would visit Schook at Saint Rita's rectory and the two would go to movies and talk on the phone often.

According to the victim the two had sexual relations at the rectory behind closed doors while other priests were in the building.

Another victim took the stand and said Schook was a priest at St. Thomas when they met. Schook allegedly molested the then young man in the priest's room at the rectory. Schook then threatened the second victim not to tell anyone. Saying if the victim told anyone about their relationship, Schook would claim the young man was lying and he would be punished by God.

Schook's attorney told the jury during his opening statement he believes this is about the victims getting money.

WARNING: Some of the content in the video player above is graphic and not suitable for all ages.