Missouri Priest Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child Pornography After FBI Sting (The Associated Press)
Missouri Priest Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child Pornography After FBI Sting
By David Scott
Originally published by The Associated Press, May 8, 2002
ST. LOUIS (AP) — A Roman Catholic priest pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal child pornography possession charges after he was caught in an FBI sting.
The Rev. John P. Hess faces up to five years in prison when he is sentenced July 26.
Hess, 56, was removed from the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in suburban Florissant in March after the FBI seized his computer, kept in a public area of the church rectory.
Federal prosecutor Ray Gruender said Hess became a suspect during a nationwide FBI sting called Operation Candyman focusing on child pornography traded over the Internet.
A hard drive on Hess’ computer contained hundreds of images of child porn, including video clips of children involved in sexually explicit conduct, the prosecutor said.
“If you break the law you cannot hide in cyberspace,” Gruender said.
Asked in court if he had any reservations about entering the plea, Hess only replied, “None whatsoever, your honor.”
Waiting in an elevator after the hearing ended, Hess stood in silence when asked if he had anything to say to parishioners at Sacred Heart. His attorney also declined comment.
Eight priests have resigned or been removed in the archdiocese since a nationwide scandal involving sex abuse by priests began to unfold in January.
The archdiocese had no immediate comment on Hess.