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	This Isn't Justice for Those Children Sex Assault | Ex-Principal Rips Priest's Plea Deal, Cardinal's Role By Susan Hogan/Albach and Eric Herman Chicago Sun-Times [Chicago IL] July 1, 2007 http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/451211,CST-NWS-priest01s1.article An expected guilty plea from the Rev. Daniel McCormack on child sexual abuse charges was met with silence from Cardinal Francis George on Saturday and mixed reactions from McCormack's former colleagues. McCormack, 38, will plead guilty to five counts of aggravated criminal sexual assault Monday and likely receive a five-year prison term, sources told the Sun-Times. McCormack, who is accused of molesting five boys at St. Agatha Parish and Our Lady of the Westside School, was eligible for seven years in prison. But with credit for good behavior, he could serve as little as 2½ years. George would not comment on the reported plea agreement because it had not yet been approved by a judge. "I have to have definitive information before I can respond," George said. George has come under fierce criticism for his handling of the McCormack case. One of his critics, former Our Lady of the Westside Principal Barbara Westrick, reacted angrily to news of the plea deal. "This isn't justice for those children who are going to suffer the rest of their lives," Westrick said. "If the cardinal had taken action, some would never have been molested. What's the cardinal's punishment?" McCormack was arrested in January 2006 after Westrick called civil authorities to report a student said he'd been molested by the priest. Westrick was reprimanded by the archdiocese for allowing McCormack, then her boss, to teach and coach at the elementary school after allegations against him came to light. She lost her job as principal last month in what she says is retaliation for criticizing George. Westrick first denounced the cardinal publicly last December, saying he was making her the scapegoat for his mishandling of the case. After the arrest, an outside audit revealed church authorities had knowledge of past child sexual misconduct allegations involving the priest. Sam Parker, who works at Holy Family parish, where McCormack served from 1997 to 2000, said a plea arrangement involving prison time for McCormack was just. "We all thought he was a great guy and pray for him," Parker said. "But this is a time to instill to these children that [they] did the right thing in speaking up. I'm proud of them." Contact: Eric Herman eherman@suntimes.com
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