REV. COPS PLEA IN ’80 SEX ABUSE

The Rev. James Nyhan, a 60 year old Roman Catholic priest, pleaded guilty to three counts of assault and battery, avoiding a trial that was about to start on charges alleging he sexually abused two boys more than 25 years ago.  He was sentenced to 30 years in prison but the sentence was suspended to five years' probation.  The plea came as a jury was being selected for the trial.  Nyhan had been charged with committing lewd acts on children under the age of 14.  As part of the plea, he will undergo sex-abuse counseling and may not have any professional or social contact with children, other than relatives.

(Charleston, South Carolina)