Current:Home > MyOhio Catholic priest gets life sentence for sex-trafficking convictions-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Ohio Catholic priest gets life sentence for sex-trafficking convictions
View Date:2024-12-23 20:37:42
TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) — A Roman Catholic priest received a life sentence Friday for his convictions on five counts related to sex-trafficking charges in the molestation of three boys who prosecutors say he met at an Ohio preschool and coerced to continue sexual activity as adults.
Rev. Michael Zacharias, 56, received concurrent life sentences for counts of sex trafficking a minor and sex trafficking of a minor by force, fraud, or coercion. He received concurrent 20-year sentences for two counts of sex trafficking of an adult by force, fraud, or coercion and one of similarly trafficking a minor.
Prosecutors have said Zacharias “paid the victims to engage in sex acts with him using the victims’ fear of serious harm to compel their compliance.” They also said the three victims were developing serious drug addictions and the priest “waited to propose commercial sex” until they were heavily involved in drug abuse.
Zacharias has maintained his innocence, saying none of the sexual contact occurred when the boys were minors and that any sexual contact after they became adults was consensual. He also has said two of the three received favorable treatment in the prosecution of drug cases in exchange for their cooperation in his case.
The Roman Catholic diocese of Toledo, which placed Zacharias on administrative leave after his August 2020 arrest, said the sentencing “marks another step towards justice for all of those harmed” by Zacharias’ actions. After his conviction in May, the diocese presented a case for defrocking Zacharias to the Holy See, which will make the final judgment on his status as a priest.
veryGood! (82)
Related
- Stocks soared on news of Trump's election. Bonds sank. Here's why.
- The Krabby Patty is coming to Wendy's restaurants nationwide for a limited time. Yes, really.
- 'I am going to die': Video shows North Dakota teen crashing runaway car at 113 mph
- NHL point projections, standings predictions: How we see 2024-25 season unfolding
- Pie, meet donuts: Krispy Kreme releases Thanksgiving pie flavor ahead of holidays
- Padres sweep Braves to set up NLDS showdown vs. rival Dodgers: Highlights
- 1000-Lb. Sisters’ Amy Slaton Breaks Down in Tears Over Michael Halterman Split
- Tina Knowles Details Protecting Beyoncé and Solange Knowles During Rise to Fame
- Subway rider who helped restrain man in NYC chokehold death says he wanted ex-Marine to ‘let go’
- 'So many hollers': Appalachia's remote terrain slows recovery from Helene
Ranking
- RHOBH's Kyle Richards Shares Reaction to BFF Teddi Mellencamp's Divorce
- Hurricane Helene brings climate change to forefront of the presidential campaign
- How Dax Shepard Reacted to Wife Kristen Bell's Steamy Scenes With Adam Brody in Nobody Wants This
- Helene will likely cause thousands of deaths over decades, study suggests
- Pedro Pascal's Sister Lux Pascal Debuts Daring Slit on Red Carpet at Gladiator II Premiere
- Lionel Messi, Inter Miami's first playoff game will be free to fans on Apple TV
- Lana Del Rey Speaks Out About Husband Jeremy Dufrene for First Time Since Wedding
- Prosecutors drop case against third man in Chicago police officer’s death
Recommendation
-
Tennessee suspect in dozens of rapes is convicted of producing images of child sex abuse
-
Target's 2024 top toy list with LEGO, Barbie exclusives; many toys under $20
-
Pauley Perrette of 'NCIS' fame says she won't return to acting. What's stopping her?
-
Last call at 4 a.m. in California? Governor says yes for one private club in LA Clippers’ new arena
-
Where you retire could affect your tax bill. Here's how.
-
More Americans file for unemployment benefits last week, but layoffs remain historically low
-
Pete Rose's longtime teammate Tony Perez opens up about last visit with baseball icon
-
Lana Del Rey Speaks Out About Husband Jeremy Dufrene for First Time Since Wedding