A Philadelphia judge has reinstated felony sex-assault charges against a suspended Roman Catholic priest, weeks after a different judge dismissed them.
Tuesday's ruling means the Rev. Andrew McCormick will face trial on charges he molested a 10-year-old altar boy at St. John Cantius rectory in 1997. The 25-year-old accuser says he went to authorities amid news of the Jerry Sandusky and Philadelphia archdiocese abuse cases.
An earlier judge had found the alleged abuse described by the accuser at a preliminary hearing did not meet the legal definition of the felony sexual assault charges. But Common Pleas Judge Paula Patrick has reinstated them after hearing arguments Tuesday.
Defense lawyer William Brennan says he still believes the commonwealth has a weak case.
McCormick is also charged with indecent exposure, corruption of minors and related charges. He remains free ahead of a formal arraignment on Oct. 23, according to court documents.
