Michael Zacharias’s victims said the priest waited until they began abusing drugs before he sexually trafficked them

Michael Zacharias’s victims said the priest waited until they began abusing drugs before he sexually trafficked them

A Roman Catholic priest received a life sentence on Friday for his convictions on five counts related to sex-trafficking charges in the molestation of three boys whom prosecutors say he met at an Ohio preschool and coerced to continue sexual activity as adults.

Michael Zacharias, 56, received concurrent, maximum life sentences for counts of sex trafficking a minor and sex trafficking of a minor by force, fraud or coercion. He received concurrent 20-year sentences for two counts of sex trafficking of an adult by force, fraud or coercion, and one of similarly trafficking a minor.

  • HuddaBudda@kbin.social
    48·
    8 months ago

    (he) commercial sex overtures by gradually sexualizing conversations and conduct with them. At the same time, the victims were developing serious opiate addictions, using pain medication and, later, heroin. (the priest) waited to propose commercial sex until he knew the victims were so heavily involved in drug abuse that it was impacting their daily lives, physical and mental well-being and ability to maintain a stable school or work life.

    This guy needs to be sent to hell with the force of a super nova.

    This is also your monthly christian reminder:
    Priests: 15+
    Drag queens: 0

    • synae[he/him]@lemmy.sdf.orgEnglish
      15·
      8 months ago

      Hell’s not real, so justice must be pursued during his time on earth. This is a start but I doubt his victims and their families consider it sufficient.