Catholic Priest Indicted: William Vatterott Charged With Possession of Child Pornography, St. Louis Catholic Priest Could Face 10 Years In Prison

William Vatterott, a St. Louis Catholic priest, was charged with possession of child pornography specifically involving Internet images of one male child under the age of 18. He was indicted by a federal grand jury and if convicted faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

The U.S. Catholic Church has faced multiple sexual abuse accusation over the past two decades. The Archdiocese of St. Louis placed 36-year-old Vatterott on leave in June of 2011 after hearing of the child pornography allegations. The priest was also accused of participating in inappropriate behavior during an incident involving underage drinking.

U.S. Attorney Richard Callahan said the Archdiocese of St. Louis cooperated with the investigation. The archdiocese revealed that Vaterott had previously served as pastor of St. Cecilia Parish since 2008.

With Vatterott being charged with possession of child pornography comes in the wake of a similar case that occurred last August. Kansas City priest Shawn Ratigan pleaded guilty to producing child pornography.