# Former Catonsville priest found guilty of sexual abuse

> Former Catholic priest William Mannion Jr. convicted of sexually abusing a Catonsville student in the 1990s after 42-year-old victim testified.
- Title: Former Catonsville priest found guilty of sexual abuse
- Summary: Former Catholic priest William Mannion Jr. convicted of sexually abusing a Catonsville student in the 1990s after 42-year-old victim testified.
- Keywords: william mannion jr, catonsville catholic school, baltimore county, sexual abuse, former altar server, st. agnes church, baltimore archdiocese, child abuse, criminal trial, jury verdict, news, local
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/community/criminal-justice/catonsville-catholic-priest-trial-HEQZWOKSNVEQBDJ74HABMFXCXI
- Author: Jessica Calefati
- Published: 2026-10-08T17:46:17.301+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: william mannion jr, catonsville catholic school, baltimore county, sexual abuse, former altar server, st. agnes church, baltimore archdiocese, child abuse, criminal trial, jury verdict, news, local
## Former Catonsville priest found guilty
A Baltimore County jury found former Catholic priest William Mannion Jr. guilty of sexually abusing a Catonsville Catholic school student in the 1990s.
## Mannion's history as advocate
Mannion had previously helped bring down a notorious child rapist before prosecutors accused him of similar crimes.
## Jury deliberation
The jury of eight men and four women deliberated for about an hour before breaking for lunch and later notifying Judge Dennis Robinson Jr. they had reached a verdict.
## Mannion's arrest and custody
Mannion was handcuffed and taken into custody after being on home detention since his arrest last year.
## Victim's testimony
The victim, a 42-year-old former altar server, testified that Mannion pulled him out of class more than a dozen times and assaulted him at St. Agnes Church rectory during school hours.
## Date discrepancies
The victim initially said the abuse occurred between first and third grades but later changed to second and fourth grades, realizing the discrepancy after Mannion's arrest last spring.
## Defense attorney's argument
Defense attorney Christopher Luber argued Mannion was not present at the time of the crimes and that the victim's account contained implausible details.
## Prosecutor's closing argument
Prosecutor Lisa Dever emphasized the victim's consistent account since 2019 and his visceral memories of the abuse, stating Mannion started grooming him immediately after he arrived at St. Agnes.
## Mannion's letter to Pope
Mannion wrote to Pope John Paul II in 2001 requesting to leave the priesthood, admitting to drinking problems and sexual activity with seminary students.
## Key takeaway

Former Catholic priest William Mannion Jr. was found guilty of sexually abusing a Catonsville student in the 1990s after a 42-year-old former altar server testified.