Toledo Priest Sentenced

Toledo, OH -- After finding evidence of child pornography in the home of Father Stephen Rogers eight months ago, the priest was sentenced today in federal court to 21 months in a North Carolina prison, in addition to three years of supervised release. Rogers' sentence will commence over the next few weeks, the court stated.

The priest will begin serving the term of his sentence over the next few weeks, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western Division of Ohio told XBiz.

Rogers was sentenced to time at Butner prison and will be assigned to a unit for sexual offenders.

While many critics of the case say that the priest was given a lighter sentence than he deserved, Judge David Katz took into consideration Rogers' recent heart bypass surgery, prostate cancer, and the fact that he had no prior criminal record, before handing down his sentence in court.

Judge Katz also reportedly considered the priest's recent efforts to rehabilitate himself by entering a program shortly after his arrest.

Federal agents found evidence of child pornography in the priest's Toledo home in December 2002. Rogers pleaded guilty in May of this year on all charges in a deal worked out with the government.

During an opportunity to address the court, Rogers reportedly apologized for his actions and thanked those who have stood by him, including friends and fellow parishioners from the Toledo Catholic Diocese.

"Typically priests accused of sex crimes receive lighter sentences than others, which we find troubling. It is a very unfortunate and unsafe pattern," David Clohessy told XBiz. Clohessy is the national director for the Survivors Network of Those Abused By Priests.

"The good news is that for 21 months children will be safer," he continued. "And while we obviously can't say that everyone who has or deals with child porn is a child molester, I think history shows that many, many child molesters do own or deal with child porn."

The Toledo Diocese stated that it will not determine Father Rogers' future with the local parish until his sentence had been served.

"We thought it was appropriate that he take into account Father's past service but also appropriate to deal very strongly with the whole issue of child pornography," Rev. Michael Billian, Diocesan Chancellor, was quoted as saying.

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Jennifer White Launches Official Site, Debuts 1st Release

Reigning XMAs Female Performer of the Year Jennifer White has launched her new website, JenniferWhite.com, and announced the first feature-length showcase from her new production company.

Adult Game Fest Announces Nominees for Inaugural Awards Show

Organizers for the inaugural Adult Game Fest convention and trade show have announced the nominees for the event's awards ceremony, taking place Saturday, Sept. 26, at 5 p.m. (PDT).

Byborg Enterprises Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Byborg Enterprises has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

XBIZ 2027 Hotel Room Booking Now Open

Hotel booking is now open for XBIZ 2027, giving attendees the opportunity to secure their stay at the host venue, JW Marriott L.A. Live.

FSC Case Against Tennessee AV Law Can Go Forward, Court Rules

A U.S. district court on Tuesday denied the Tennessee attorney general’s motion to dismiss a Free Speech Coalition lawsuit challenging the Protect Tennessee Minors Act.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches for July, August

AEBN has published the top search terms for July and August from its straight and gay theaters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

2027 XMA 'Fan Favorite' Pre-Nominations Period Now Open

XMA event organizers have announced that the pre-nomination period for Fan Favorite categories for the January 2027 ceremony is now open.

California Legislature Passes Stricter UGC Rules for Adult Sites

A bill to impose tighter compliance standards for user-generated content (UGC) on adult websites has been approved by the California state legislature and now awaits the governor’s signature.

CollabGPS Rolls Out 'Verification Badge' Update

CollabGPS has launched a badge system for user verification.

X3 Amsterdam Imports Hollywood Glitz With Continental Style

A throng of fans from across Europe and around the globe descended on the Passenger Terminal building on Friday, eager to meet their favorite adult stars at the inaugural X3 Amsterdam fan expo.

Show More