Former Louisville priest convicted of sexual abuse dies

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – A former Louisville Roman Catholic priest who received a medical parole after being convicted of sexual abuse charges has died.

James Schook was convicted in 2014 of molesting a teen altar boy in the 1970s.

The Courier Journal reports the Archdiocese of Louisville confirmed Schook died at age 71 on Saturday.

He was suffering from terminal skin cancer when he was sentenced to 15 years in prison on for convictions on sodomy and indecent or immoral practice.

Schook was released on medical parole last year.

The Archdiocese of Louisville released a statement on Monday extending sympathy to his family. “In praying for the repose of his soul, we also pray for continued healing for his victims and for all victim survivors of childhood sexual abuse,” the statement said.