New York Priest Found Guilty of Child Rape

Essex District Attorney's Office: Jonathan Blodgett
November 12, 2014

http://www.mass.gov/essexda/media/press-releases/new-york-priest-found-guilty-of-child-rape.html

A Lawrence Superior Court jury convicted Rev. Richard McCormick, 73, on 5 counts of child rape today following a 4-day trial.   Judge Mary Lou Rup will sentence Rev. McCormick on December 18 at 2:00 p.m.  He was taken into custody after the verdict was returned.

Essex Assistant District Attorney Kate MacDougall introduced evidence that proved that Rev. McCormick raped a boy on multiple occasions between 1981 and 1982.  The rapes occurred while the boy attended a summer camp at the Salesian Brothers’ Sacred Heart retreat center in Ipswich where Rev. McCormick worked.  The victim, who is 44, was between age 10 and 12 years old the rapes took place. 

“Rape of a child is a heinous crime,” District Attorney Blodgett said.  “It is a fundamental violation of a child’s innocence that can never be truly restored.  My hope is that these guilty verdicts allows this brave man to find some peace of mind, knowing that none of this was his fault.”

MacDougall thanked Essex Victim Advocate Amy Snow and Ipswich Police Officer Peter Dziadose for their work on the investigation and the trial.  She also acknowledged the courage of the victim for his bravery in coming forward and seeking justice.

McCormick is charged with another count of child rape in connection with allegations made by another male victim who attended the same summer camp during the same period.  The trial date for this case has not been scheduled.

McCormick was represented by Attorney Steve Neyman.