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  Priest Accused of Having Sex with Inmate in Prison Chapel

WGAL
August 15, 2007

http://www.wgal.com/news/13899050/detail.html

Ebensburg, Pa. — Cambria County prosecutors said a Franciscan priest had sexual relations with an inmate in a prison chapel and then gave him thousands of dollars to remain silent about the relationship.

State police charged 66-year-old Rev. Gerard Connolly with 12 counts of institutional sexual assault at the state prison in Cresson and five counts of taking contraband into prison over alcohol allegedly brought into the institution. Connolly was arraigned this morning and released, according to the local magistrate's office.

Connolly is a pastor at Mount Carmel Church in Altoona. Prosecutors said he was a paid chaplain at

the prison.

Connolly's bail was set at $50,000. He is scheduled to have a preliminary hearing next Thursday.

Police also charged 36-year-old inmate William Victor with extortion. Prosecutors accused him of taking $7,000 from Connolly to keep quiet. He is now in the state prison in Huntingdon.

Police said the sexual contact occurred between September and January during counseling sessions. Police said they filed charges in the case after a several months-long investigation.

 
 

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