Two mental health experts testified Tuesday that a Roman Catholic priest convicted of molesting three Hinsdale Catholic school youths should be released from state custody now that he has served his prison term.The testimony of clinical psychologists Orest Wasyliw and Steven Gaskell countered the earlier testimony of two other mental health experts that Rev. Fred Lenczycki, 63, would continue to be a threat to the public if released.
The Illinois Sexually Violent Persons Commitment Act allows prosecutors to seek continued civil commitment of sex offenders who they believe will reoffend because of a mental disorder.
Lenczycki is the first member of the clergy in Illinois to be considered for civil commitment under the 10-year-old state law.
He pleaded guilty in 2004 to sexually abusing three young boys at St. Isaac Jogues parish school in Hinsdale in the 1980s and was sentenced to 5 years in prison. He has been incarcerated in a state mental health facility since his 2006 release.
Gaskell initially was hired by the state to make a report on Lenczycki's mental health status, but he testified that his initial report was that Lenczycki shouldn't remain incarcerated. The state didn't contact him again, he said.
Wasyliw said that, if released, Lenczycki would register as a sex offender and would continue to be monitored and get treatment under court-ordered parole.
Attorneys from the Illinois attorney general's office say Lenczycki remains a threat to the public and is likely to commit another crime. Prosecutors contend he actually molested more than two dozen boys from as many as six parishes in three states.
Lenczycki's sisters also testified Tuesday, saying their brother was ashamed and embarrassed.
The 12-member DuPage County jury that has heard three days of testimony is to hear closing arguments Wednesday and begin deliberations.
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