BROOKVILLE, Pa. — Former Diocese of Erie Catholic priest David Poulson Wednesday pleaded guilty to two charges for repeatedly sexually assaulting one boy and attempting to assault another, according to Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro.

Poulson entered the plea to corruption of minors and endangering the welfare of children. Both are third-degree felonies.

He must also register as a convicted sex offender for ten years. Poulson will be evaluated under Megan's Law to see if he is a sexually violent predator.

The victims were eight and 15 years old at the time of the crimes, the Attorney General's Office said.

Poulson was assigned to numerous Diocese of Erie parishes during his time as a priest. He served as pastor of St. Agnes in Morrisdale, St. Michael’s in Fryburg, St. Anthony of Padua in Cambridge Springs, and St. Bernadette in Cambridge Springs.

Poulson repeatedly sexually assault one victim in the rectories at St. Michael’s Catholic Church and Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, according to the grand jury presentment. It happened more than 20 times, typically Sundays after the victim served as an altar boy. Poulson then told the victim to make confession to the sexual assaults, which were heard by Poulson, according to the Attorney General's Office.

He also assaulted the same victim and attempted to assault another after bringing them to a remote hunting cabin in Jefferson County to watch horror movies on a laptop, Shapiro said. Poulson owned the cabin with a friend.

Poulson was charged in May 2018.

Shapiro said the Diocese knew of Poulson's sexual predator tendencies since at least May 2010 when a memo in the church archives shows Poulson admitted to being “aroused” by a boy and sharing suggestive texts with numerous other boys. It was not reported to authorities until September 2016 in response to a grand jury subpoena, according to Shapiro.

“Poulson assaulted one of his victims in church rectories,” said Attorney General Shapiro. “He made that victim go to confession and confess the abuse – to Poulson. He used the tools of the priesthood to further his abuse. Today, Poulson is being held accountable and facing justice for his crimes.”

Poulson faces up to 14 years in prison plus $30,000 in fines when he is sentenced in approximately 90 days.

In a statement, Poulson's defense lawyers said, "A number of years ago David Poulson acted inappropriately. By his plea of guilty today to two charges, he has accepted responsibility for those earlier transgressions."

Diocese of Erie Bishop Lawrence Persico issued the following statement on Poulson's plea Wednesday:

“I remain very saddened by every aspect of this situation. Many hearts have been broken, particularly those of the victims and their loved ones. As we did in the Poulson prosecution, we will continue to bring all reports of sexual misconduct with minors to the immediate attention of law enforcement, and fully cooperate with them during their investigation.”

Father Poulson’s is completely forbidden to function as a priest, according to the Diocese of Erie. It has not yet received any petition for laicization from him but expects to receive one in short order and plans to facilitate that process as expeditiously as possible.

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