A former priest who has become a central figure in a sexual abuse scandal that has shaken Boston's Roman Catholic community has been jailed for nine to 10 years.
Judge Sandra Hamlin said John Geoghan "hid behind his collar" and his position in the church to prey on young boys.
The judge detailed Geoghan's admissions in molesting other children and psychological evaluations citing his lack of concern for his victims and his tendency to blame them for his acts.
Geoghan, 66, was convicted of indecent assault and battery last month in the first of three criminal cases against him. He could be eligible for parole in six years, and the judge ordered strict monitoring after any later release.
Since 1995, more than 130 people have claimed Geoghan fondled or raped them during the three decades he served in Boston-area parishes. He also is named in more than 80 civil suits.
The allegations have led to major changes in how the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston deals with allegations of abuse.
The Boston archdiocese today suspended another priest following allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor and a former chancellor for the Catholic Diocese of Worcester was removed from his pastorship because of an allegation dating from 1967.
AP