Former priest given suspended sentence for assaulting boy

By Ray Brewer
WCVB
November 17, 2014

http://www.wcvb.com/news/former-priest-given-suspended-sentence-for-assaulting-boy/29779614

MANCHESTER, N.H. —A former Episcopal priest will not have to serve any jail time after he admitted he sexually abused a boy decades ago.

Franklin Huntress listened in court Monday as his victim talked about the struggles he has endured and his battle to erase those memories from his life.

Huntress did not apologize for what happened 30 years ago, but his victim and the victim's mother talked about the damage his actions have caused.

"As a direct result of the defendant's actions, I have struggled with alcohol abuse, drug abuse, self-harm, relationship issues, sexual issues, flashbacks and suicidal considerations," said the victim, who is not being identified by News 9.

The victim said he was 14 when Huntress took him from New York to Manchester for an event. Huntress admitted to two assaults that happened in January 1984 and April 1985.

The victim's mother also spoke, talking about how Huntress violated the trust she had placed in him because he was a man of God.

"My memory of kneeling at the altar and taking communion from you for the remission of my sins with the same hands that you were using to abuse my son makes me literally sick," she said.

On Friday, Huntress pleaded guilty to two counts of simple assault. On Monday, he was sentenced to 12 months with all suspended, as long as he stays out of trouble.

Assistant County Attorney Mike Zaino said he would have liked to see some jail time, but there were problems with the case.

"It's very difficult to prosecute a case where the allegations were as old as these were," Zaino said.

He said that ultimately, the case was about getting Huntress to admit his guilt for the victim's sake. The victim acknowledged that with his final words.

"While ultimately, I may never entirely wash away the stain he has left behind, I feel that today, I am one step closer to achieving this goal," he said.

The victim's mother said she considers herself a Christian and tried to find it in her heart to display compassion and forgiveness for Huntress. But, she said, some sins are unforgivable.