Kelly was a serial predator who abused more than 15 boys ranging in age from 11 to 17 during the s and s. He would make his victims feel special by taking them to dinner, movies and concerts. He would often let these teenagers drive his carβand he also gave them alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana. He showed them pornographic magazines and invited them to spend the night in the rectory where he would sexually abuse them, often while they were drunk.
The abuse consisted of kissing, fondling, masturbation, and oral sex. Kelly began abusing boys soon after his ordination. Joe, who asked that his real name be used, considers himself one of the lucky ones. He says he has an outward appearance of being healthy and successful but his life has been a struggle.
Joe was an altar server at Saint John Vianney in Northlake. He was raised in a Catholic family; his mother was devoutly religious, and he was taught to hold priests in high esteem. He remembers Kelly, who was the parish pastor, used the classic techniques of a child predator.
He would take care of us and provide us greater opportunity than we would have without him. In or , Kelly took Joe aside to tell him about a weightlifting class he was starting after school. Only a few boys were invited, so Joe was honored to be included.
Kelly also invited Joe out to dinner, drive-in movies, and eventually to spend the night at the rectory. Joe was only 11 years old, but his parents were thrilled. At the rectory, Kelly offered Joe beer. And then, in the middle of the night, Joe woke up to find himself being sexually assaulted by the man he trusted and held in high esteem.
