Posted: Sun Feb 24 2002
13 Year Old Boy Sentenced In Priest Defrocking Scandal

A local boy who has come to symbolize the scandal surrounding the recent round of priest defrockings was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Jeremy Martin, 13, sat quietly before Judge Sandra Hamlin as she announced the sentence. After the announcement of the 20 year prison term, Hamlin commented that Martin had "hid behind his age" and had used his boyish good looks to cause former priest John Geogan to be defrocked.

Since the trial began, at least 26 other former priests have come forward claiming Martin had also caused them to be defrocked.

A spokesman for the Kansas Diocese has asked any and all priests defrocked in this manner to speak out, no matter how embarrassing it may seem, adding "You're not at fault here, so don't feel guilty."

The Diocese has also asked the state to prosecute Martin "to the fullest extent of the law."

Prosecutors may soon set their sights on Jeremy's parents. "If they [Martin's parents] knew about this before they moved into the neighborhood, they're as guilty as little cute, sweet, luscious Jeremy," says Assistant District Attorney Jack Rubins.