
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, October 5, 1993                   TAG: 9310050167
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: NEW BEDFORD, MASS.                                LENGTH: Short

EX-PRIEST PLEADS GUILTY

A former Roman Catholic priest accused of molesting dozens of children three decades ago pleaded guilty to sexual assault Monday as his victims watched.

James A. Porter, 58, who left the priesthood in the 1970s, pleaded guilty to 41 counts in Bristol County Superior Court, where his trial had been scheduled to begin later this month.

Judge Robert Steadman read the charges against Porter, who said he understood the indictments and didn't dispute them. Sentencing was set for Dec. 6.

Porter had been charged with abusing 32 children who are now adults, and only began publicly telling their stories less than two years ago when one of the victims began building a case against him.

Prosecutors said Porter molested his victims on church property and threatened them by telling them "God would get them."

by CNB