Former priest’s 20 year sentence upheld

WISCONSIN
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

By Bruce Vielmetti of the Journal Sentinel

Nov. 1, 2012

A former Catholic priest who sexually assaulting two teenage boys in Elm Grove in the late 1970s and early 1980s will have finish his 20-year prison term, an appeals court ruled Wednesday.

James R. Blume, 66, argued on appeal that his 2010 sentence should be reduced because his failing health should be considered a new factor, the original sentence was unduly harsh or in the interest of justice.

The state Court of Appeals noted that Blume’s health issues were known to the judge at sentencing and don’t amount to a new factor.

Nor did the judges believe 20 years was unduly harsh or that justice demands a new term.

“Because the trial court properly exercised its sentencing discretion and due to our conclusion that no new factors exist, there has been no miscarriage of justice in this case.”

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