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  Nun Convicted of Sex Abuse Released from Jail

By Marie Rohde
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
April 23, 2009

http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/43598797.html

Sister Norma Giannini, an 80-year-old nun convicted of having sex more than 40 years ago with two boys who were her students, was released from jail Thursday morning after completing her one-year sentence.

The abuse occurred in the 1960s while Giannini was principal at St. Patrick's Congregation grade school in Milwaukee. She told an archdiocesan panel investigating sex abuse charges that she believed she was in love with each of the boys.

Sister Norita Cooney, president of the West Midwest Community of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, said Giannini will serve her nine-year probation in Illinois, where she will live with her religious community. Giannini must register as a sex offender in Illinois.

Giannini pleaded no contest to two felony counts of indecent behavior with a child.

Cooney said Giannini had met with the two men who brought charges against her, in mediation recommended by Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Joseph Donald.

"While we recognize that it is impossible to undo the tragic consequences of these transgressions, we hope that this year has provided some resolution for everyone affected," Cooney said. "On behalf of the sisters, I express profound regret for the pain experienced by the two men and their families and for anyone else who has been affected by this situation. We hope the healing process continues."

 
 

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