A former priest from a Catholic church who was accused of taking inappropriate pictures of students at his parish school is going to be imprisoned. The said former priest was sentenced Tuesday in a federal court in Louisville.
Stephen Pohl, an ex-priest of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church pleaded guilty to accessing to child pornography and was sentenced with almost three years in federal prison, according to the Big Story. Since the photos he took of the children shows no nudity, since they were clothed, however, inappropriate, Pohl wasn't charged. "We're completely devastated, heartbroken," said Christeena Gallahue, one of the parent who filed the complaint.
The former priest's lawyer, Ted Shouse, said he was relief that the case has come to a conclusion. WDRB reported, Pohl took on the court, saying he was sorry to the St. Margaret Mary Parish, the Archbishop, his family and friends and the public. He also said he was deeply in remorse.
"I pray for God's mercy and forgiveness. and that his actions "may have God's healing and peace." Shouse thinks his apology was sincere, honest and from his heart. The judge read a letter for the former priest from his supporters.
Pohl agreed on a plea agreement in January to accessing child pornography. The plea agreement was approved by the judge, sentencing him 2 years and nine months of imprisonment. After it, Pohl will be on a life term of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay 75-hundred dollar fine.
The Salon reported, investigation started after a child told his mother Pohl took pictures of him that made him feel "weird." When the child's parents confronted Pohl, they say they saw similar pictures of another child and reported that to police.
An affidavit says none was considered pornographic. However, it also said, police did find Pohl had accessed child porn images on the Internet. Pohl had been the pastor at St. Margaret-Mary Parish for years.
