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Michigan priest sentenced to 60 days in jail for holding teen boy against his will

Posted at 11:56 AM, Jan 27, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-27 12:35:48-05

(WXYZ) — A Michigan priest was sentenced after he pleaded guilty to holding a teenage boy against his will in the janitor's room of St. Margaret's Church in 2013.

Brian Stanley was sentenced to 60 days in jail, five years' probation and must register as a sex offender for 15 years.

He pleaded guilty to one felony count of attempted false imprisonment on Nov. 20, 2019. He was charged in August after reportedly wrapping the teen tightly and plastic wrap and covering his eyes and mouth with masking tape. Stanley left the victim bound and alone in the janitor's room for an extended period of time before returning and eventually letting him go.

“Mr. Stanley took advantage of a vulnerable victim and today he is being held accountable,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said. “We continue to review information seized from all seven Michigan dioceses in 2018, and we will thoroughly evaluate accusations and complaints brought forth by victims. For too long, criminal behavior by members of the clergy has gone unnoticed, and that must stop.”