Former priest guilty of crimes against nature

Editor's note: It's the McDowell News' policy not to print the names of sexual assault victims. However, the victim in this case has given permission for the media to reveal his identity.

            William Casey is guilty of a felony crime against nature. The 76-year-old former Roman Catholic priest entered a guilty plea Wednesday in McDowell County District Court. The incidents occurred when Casey pastored St. Dominic's church in Kingsport, Tenn.

            Casey was accused of molesting Warren Anthony Tucker, a young member of Casey's congregation, repeatedly during the late 1970s. Casey was in McDowell to answer for incidents that took place during an overnight trip to Little Switzerland.

            The matter took up about half an hour in a courtroom packed with spectators, reporters and cameras. Casey entered the guilty plea in a prearranged deal and received a suspended sentence.  

            District Attorney Brad Greenway said the crime against nature had occurred in McDowell County at what is now known as the Switzerland Inn at Little Switzerland sometime between May 1, 1977 and Aug. 1, 1978.

            Casey befriended Tucker, said Greenway, and later developed a sexual relationship with the boy. During an overnight trip to McDowell to pursue Tucker's interest in gem mining, according to Greenway, Casey sodomized Tucker, who was 12 or 13 years old at the time. Greenway said that Tucker, now 44, of Jeffersonville, Ind., could not remember the precise date.  

            Judge Laura Powell asked Tucker, who was present in the courtroom, surrounded by friends and family, if he had anything to add.

            "You aren't required to say anything," said the judge, "but this would be the time, if you have anything to add." 

            Tucker hesitated a moment, then shook his head.

            Attorney David Belser of Asheville, representing Casey, read a statement describing Casey's life and state of mind since the incident.

            Casey is nearly 80 now, said Belser, and has served God and the community for many years. Long ago he accepted that his actions were wrong and broke his pattern of sexual exploitation of minors. He was deeply moved by the impact of his actions upon Tucker.

            Casey is truly sorry for the pain he has caused Tucker, said Belser, and asks Tucker's forgiveness and hopes his victim can heal.

            Judge Powell accepted the guilty plea and handed Casey a three-year suspended sentence and 24 months supervised probation. He must pay a $500 fine, court costs and a $150 cost for transfer to Tennessee where he is to serve his probation.

            She ordered him to refrain from using drugs or controlled substances, or pornography, and to get counseling. She ordered him to have no contact with anyone under 18 unless supervised. He is not to leave the country during his sentence. He was ordered to have no contact with the victim or his family.

            Casey retired from the priesthood in 1999. Bishop Richard Stika of the Diocese of Knoxville, which includes Kingsport, told The Associated Press that Casey had been permanently suspended from the priesthood.

            Tucker accused Casey of molesting him approximately 50 times in Tennessee when he was between the ages of 8 and 15, from 1975 to 1981. However, the statute of limitations in effect in Tennessee prevent prosecution now, roughly 30 years after the crimes in that state are said to have occurred. 

            Tucker spoke to reporters after the hearing.

            "I tell you, it's bittersweet someone can plead guilty to a sex crime felony and walk free," the AP quoted Tucker. "But the district attorney did the best he could given what he had to deal with."

            Tucker made his accusations public with the help and encouragement of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP). David Clohessy, executive director of SNAP, said Tucker's willingness to speak out has made children safer.

            "We hope Warren realizes that his courage is protecting kids and exposing a predator," he said in a pres release. "He should feel very proud of himself for finding the strength to speak up and having the wisdom to call police. Children are safer because of Warren’s bravery."

            Tucker told the AP he had received a threatening letter at his home on Saturday warning him to stop his efforts against Casey. He said he does not know who it was from, but it was postmarked in northeast Tennessee.

            He said he still hopes Casey will see jail time. He has complained to law enforcement in Virginia as well. Further charges in Greene County, Tennessee are not likely. Greene County Circuit Clerk Gail Jeffers told The Greeneville Sun that state prosecutors set aside the only charge that was pending against Casey, that being fugitive from justice, when he waived extradition to North Carolina.