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

Adult Chat Platform Arousr Sets Human-Only Host Policy

Adult chat platform Arousr has announced a policy to only use verified human hosts, not chatbots.

Arizona State Legislator Proposes Porn Ban

A member of Arizona’s House of Representatives on Wednesday introduced a bill that would make it illegal to produce or distribute adult content in that state.

SinfulXAI to Launch New AI Generator

AI companion platform SinfulXAI has announced its new AI video generator, launching in February.

SCOTUS Won't Hear Appeal in NYC Adult Businesses Zoning Case

The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal by a group of adult businesses of a lower court’s decision allowing enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches for November, December

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

X3 Expo Day 2 Delivers Stars, Screenings and Fan Favorites

The sun once again shone brightly on the historic Hollywood Palladium as throngs of avid fans made their way through the doors, ready to experience Day 2 of the 2026 X3 Expo.

X3 Expo Kicks Into Gear With an All-Star Lineup

Outside the historic Hollywood Palladium on Friday, a huge crowd of fans lined Sunset Boulevard, eagerly awaiting the opening of the 2026 X3 Expo and their big chance to meet the cream of the crop of adult stars.

2026 XBIZ Honors Salutes Resilience Across the Online Adult Industry

The 2026 XBIZ Honors packed house Wednesday night, turning the Kimpton Everly Hotel’s Nichols Ballroom into a gala celebration of industry excellence.

Elevated X Integrates CCBill for Payment Processing

Elevated X has added CCBill payment processing integration to its ELXNexus traffic management and affiliate software.

Florida Congressman Files Latest Bill to Repeal Section 230

Rep. Jimmy Patronis of Florida has become the latest member of Congress to propose legislation that would repeal Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects interactive computer services — including adult platforms — from liability for user-generated content.

Show More