BROOKVILLE, Pa. — In a small Jefferson County courtroom, Catholic priest David Poulson pleaded guilty Wednesday to felony counts in connection with sexual assaults against one boy and the attempted assault of another boy.
The approximately 15-minute proceeding before Common Pleas Judge John Foradora took place in the rural county where Poulson, who is from the Diocese of Erie, took the boys to a remote cabin between 2002 and 2010. Poulson pleaded guilty to corruption of minors and endangering the welfare of children — third-degree felonies.
The two victims were between the ages of 8 and 18 when the sexual abuse happened at the cabin. Poulson shares ownership of 40 acres where the cabin is located with Pennsylvania state police Sgt. Mark Bettwy.
The first victim was also routinely assaulted at the rectories of St. Michael parish in Fryberg, Pa., and St. Anthony in Cambridge Springs, Pa.
While those two were not present in the courtroom Wednesday, another victim — whose window for bringing charges against Poulson has passed — sat alternately looking at Poulson and wiping tears.
“I waited 37 years of my life for this day in court, although it’s not my day in court,” said Jim VanSickle, of Robinson. “At the end when he stood up and walked out, I made sure I stood up so that he could see me.”
Mr. VanSickle, the victims and several other men were interviewed about Poulson’s behavior during Pennsylvania’s 40th grand jury investigation. They testified that Poulson would flirt and “wrestle” with them and provide them gifts and alcohol as far back as 1979, the year Poulson was ordained.
“Poulson assaulted one of his victims in church rectories,” said Attorney General Josh Shapiro in a news conference following Poulson’s plea at the Jefferson County courthouse in Brookville. “He made that victim go to confession and confess the abuse — to Poulson. He used the tools of the priesthood to further his abuse. Today, Poulson is being held accountable and facing justice for his crimes.”
Poulson was arrested and charged in May by the attorney general’s office when a statewide grand jury investigating sexual abuse by clergy against children in six Catholic dioceses in Pennsylvania, including the Diocese of Erie, heard the evidence against him.
Mr. Shapiro said he would not comment on future investigations when asked at the press conference whether others, including Poulson’s superiors, could be charged for failing to report the possible abuse to law enforcement.
Erie Bishop Lawrence Persico said in a statement Wednesday morning, “I remain very saddened by every aspect of this situation. Many hearts have been broken, particularly those of the victims and their loved ones."
He added, "As we did in the Poulson prosecution, we will continue to bring all reports of sexual misconduct with minors to the immediate attention of law enforcement, and fully cooperate with them during their investigation.”
Bishop Persico has forbidden Poulson from functioning as a priest.
"We have not yet received any petition for laicization [removal from the priesthood] from him, but expect to receive one in short order," said spokeswoman Anne-Marie Welsh of the Diocese of Erie. "We will facilitate that process as expeditiously as possible."
In such a process, the final decision is made by the Vatican.
Poulson faces a maximum of 14 years in prison and a fine of $30,000. The judge ordered Poulson be examined by the state's sexual offender assessment board, which will take about 90 days. After that, his sentencing hearing will be held.
“We will most certainly be seeking jail time for Father Poulson," Mr. Shapiro said Wednesday.
Poulson’s attorneys Casey White and Christopher E. Mohney said in a statement: “A number of years ago David Poulson acted inappropriately. By his plea of guilty today to two charges, he has accepted responsibility for those earlier transgressions. We plan to submit to the Court as much material as possible to present David Poulson’s total being. Only then can Judge Foradora fashion a fair and just sentence.”
First Published: October 17, 2018, 2:47 p.m.
Updated: October 17, 2018, 5:45 p.m.
