Appeal Denied For Former Priest

A former Louisville priest found guilty of sexual abuse has been denied an appeal.

In 2016, Father Joseph Hemmerle was convicted in Meade County on one count of inappropriate touching. He was sentenced to seven years in prison.

The charge comes from an incident in 1973 where Hemmerle molested a 10-year-old boy at the summer camp he was attending, Camp Tall Tree.

Hemmerle was the camp’s director. According to the appeal, Hemmerle routinely treated campers with poison ivy reactions.

The victim, Michael Norris, testified at Hemmerle’s trial that he was exposed to poison ivy when playing in the woods. He developed an extensive skin rash and sought treatment from Hemmerle.

Hemmerle allegedly demanded Norris to undress inside his private cabin. He was accused of molesting and performing oral sex on the victim.

Hemmerle also taught Norris at Trinity High School.

The Archdiocese of Louisville said Hemmerle’s pension will not be affected by his conviction. They previously said it was not affected because Hemmerle was in the appeal process but said Thursday it will not be affected since he is retired.
Source: WAVE