LA priest sentenced

THE LOS ANGELES TIMES reports ...

A retired priest accused of molesting an Eagle Rock youth pleaded no contest Tuesday to a misdemeanor charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Father Stephen Hernandez, 72, tried to kill himself when he learned four years ago that he was being investigated for alleged child sexual abuse.

Hernandez was accused of molesting a boy he met while counseling minors at Eastlake Juvenile Hall. The boy said the priest touched him at his home and at the priest's residence at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in El Sereno. The priest also took pictures of the boy in various states of undress.

Hernandez was given a sentence of 3 years probation and was ordered to stay away from minors.