Ex-priest convicted of federal sex charge

CHICAGO (AP) — A prominent former Roman Catholic priest was convicted Friday of taking a boy on religious retreats to have sex with him.

Donald McGuire, 78, was convicted after jurors deliberated less than three hours Thursday and Friday in the 21‚Ñ2-week trial. The federal charge involved taking a minor across state lines for sex.

The white-haired former priest sat stoically in his wheelchair as U.S. District Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer read the verdict that could result in a 30-year sentence.

McGuire said in a written statement afterward that he was “very disappointed in the verdict — I was hoping for a better outcome and exoneration.”

“I continue to pray for the spiritual well-being of all involved in the case and put myself in the hands of the Lord — he is my salvation and hope,” McGuire said in a statement after court.

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