A suspended
Pennsylvania priest convicted of sexually assaulting poor street
children during missionary trips to Honduras was sentenced Wednesday to
nearly 17 years in prison.
Federal
prosecutors in Johnstown had sought up to 30 years in prison for Joseph
Maurizio Jr., 71. But defense attorneys for Maurizio, who maintains his
innocence, argued for leniency based on the priest's age, charitable
works, his U.S. Navy service during the Vietnam War, and other legal
factors.
