A former St. Landry Parish priest was sentenced to seven years in prison today and also received three years probation. Michael Guidry pleaded guilty in March to giving a 16-year-old boy alcohol and then sexually molesting him. Legal analyst Tim Meche says it’s a harsh sentence
“The maximum sentence is ten years and he received seven. That’s really close to maximum and usually first offenders qualify for significant reduction,” said Meche.
Meche says with human nature being what it is, it’s difficult for a judge not to be impacted by the scrutiny and publicity these cases received.
“I’m certain that had a factor in securing this gentleman almost the maximum sentence,” said Meche.
In addition to the 7 year sentence, Guidry was ordered to register as a sex offender in Acadia Parish where he lives and St. Landry Parish where his church is located and turn over his passport.
