Kentucky Priest to Be Sentenced on Child Molestation Charges

WDRB
June 29, 2017

http://www.wdrb.com/story/35777184/kentucky-priest-to-be-sentenced-on-child-molestation-charges

Father Joseph Hemmerle is set to be sentenced at 9:00 Thursday morning in Meade County.

Last month, he pleaded guilty to wanton endangerment and third degree sexual abuse - in exchange for the recommended sentence. That sentence is 2 years in prison, followed by 8 years on probation.

It stems from allegations that he abused a boy in the summers of 1977 and 1978 at Camp Tall Trees, in Meade County.

The plea agreement signed last month says the victim wants to settle the case and show mercy on Hemmerle due to his age.

Any sentence handed down Thursday would run after the seven years he's is already serving in a separate, yet similar case.

Last year, a Meade County jury convicted him on charges that he molested another boy at the same camp in the early 1970's.

Hemmerle remains a priest, but he is suspended from ministry and not allowed to present himself as a priest.