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January 25, 2005
Prosecutors detail abuse of young boy by defrocked priest
January 25, 2005 [Associated Press]
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. "If you tell, no one will believe you."
Prosecutors say that's what a former priest told his young victim to keep him quiet during years of sexual abuse. Opening statements began today in Massachusetts in the trial of Paul Shanley, charged with rape and indecent assault on a child.
Prosecutors say the boy didn't tell anyone -- for nearly 20 years. They say Shanley raped the boy repeatedly at his church, sometimes in the church bathroom, or in the church confessional.
They described how the priest would summon the six-year-old boy to the rectory to play cards. Then they quote Shanley as saying, "You lose, take off your clothes."
Shanley's defense maintains such charges have been concocted in order to bring a lawsuit.
If convicted of rape and other charges, Shanley -- who turns 74 years old today -- could face life in prison.
Posted by Nancy at January 25, 2005 11:26 AM