Norma Giannini Sentenced

UPDATE, April 23, 2009: Norma Giannini Released
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UPDATE, December 12, 2008: Early release denied for nun in sex abuse case
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Today, Sister Norma Giannini has received her sentence for sexually abusing boys 40 years ago.

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

A nun was sentenced today to a year in the House of Correction and 10 years of probation for having sexual relationships with two boys at a south side Catholic school where she was a principal in the 1960s.

Sister Norma Giannini, 79, was sentenced to five years in prison on each of two felonies by Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Joseph Donald, but he stayed the sentence in favor of the probation term, with the year in the Franklin facility a condition of that probation.

Prosecutors had recommended eight years in prison.

I assume that the judge gave Giannini only one year in prison because of her age. I think that's inappropriate.

Giannini's acts were those of a perverted, abusive woman, a criminal. One year isn't a slap on the wrist.

Had she been tried 40 years ago would she have received such a lenient sentence?

Or if she was 39 rather than 79, would that make a difference?

Another scenario: If she was a 39-year-old man convicted of having sex with children, would the sentence be the same?

It's clear that Giannini isn't being required to pay much for the crimes she committed.

Giannini, a member of the Sisters of Mercy, was principal of the St. Patrick's Congregation grade school. She moved to Illinois in 1970. She was charged in December 2006 and pleaded no contest in November to two felony counts of indecent behavior with a child.

According to the charges, Giannini initiated sexual contact with both of the boys in the 1960s and had repeated sexual encounters with them, sometimes at her house. It's unclear when anyone first alerted authorites in the church or law enforcement about the activity, but in 1996, when the Milwaukee Archdiocese Response to Sexual Abuse panel questioned her, she said, "I thought I was in love with both of them," according to court records.

Oh. She was in love with them. Well, that's a different story.

GIVE ME A BREAK!

I think the sentence sends the wrong message.

I wonder if Giannini has apologized to her victims. Has she expressed remorse? I don't think so.

I wonder if Giannini has apologized to every faithful priest and nun who has suffered because of her history of abuse. They have to bear her shame. It's unfair, but true.

Her crimes shouldn't be used to disparage or mock the many, many devoted priests and nuns who have spent their lives serving God by serving his people.