Nun Faces Molestation Charges

(Milwaukee, Wisconsin) In December 2006, a 78-year-old nun and former principal at St. Patrick's Congregation grade school, Norma Giannini, was charged with two felony counts of indecent behavior with a child. Giannini allegedly engaged in sex with two schoolboys 40 years ago. A warrant was issued for Giannini's arrest.

On Wednesday of this week, Norma Giannini, now 79, turned herself in to face charges.

According to the criminal complaint, Giannini confessed to the Milwaukee Archdiocese 11 years ago that she'd had sex with boys on numerous occasions at St. Patrick's Elementary School in Milwaukee, often in the church's convent and school office.

Those admissions weren't reported to police, however, until the accusers themselves reported it last year, the TV station reported.

Giannini could strike a plea deal, but a trial also is a possibility.

"We're prepared to go to a jury trial if that's what it takes. I know it would be a couple of days really, really rough for us, but just to get some finality to this after all these years," accuser Jim St. Patrick said.

Giannini was released on a $10,000 bond and allowed to return to her nursing home outside Chicago.

Jeez, at 79 years of age and living in a nursing home, it seems that there's not too much they can do to her, if she's found guilty. Of course, the diocese can probably be held somewhat liable and a lawsuit might bring a big payday for the plaintiffs.

Heh.


[Update 11/12/07]

Giannini pleads no contest.


[Update 02/01/08]

Giannini sentenced to one year in jail.