By AP/KWMU
St. Louis, MO – A Catholic priest was convicted Wednesday of sexually abusing a boy in the 70s.
Father Thomas Graham, 71, now faces life in prison for the abuse that took place in the Old Cathedral in downtown St. Louis. Jurors will recommend a sentence today (Thursday).
The St. Louis Archdiocese investigated the allegation against Graham in 1994 and concluded it was unsubstantiated. Graham is on administrative leave.
Jurors in St. Louis Circuit Court deliberated about two hours Wednesday before convicting Graham. The abuse took place in the rectory of the city's Old Cathedral. The jury will hear more testimony today before recommending a sentence.
Prosecutors charged Graham under a 1969 Missouri law that has no statute of limitations for "abominable and detestable crimes against nature." The Legislature changed the statute in 1979.