Former Bradford Central Christian teacher David Poulson was sentenced Friday in Jefferson County Court to 2 ½ to 14 years in state prison for his repeated sexual assaults against one boy and the attempted assault of another boy in the Cambridge Springs area.

“Poulson assaulted one of his victims more than 20 times in church rectories,” said Attorney General Josh Shapiro, in a news conference following Poulson’s sentencing at the Jefferson County courthouse in Brookville. “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 was held accountable and now faces a significant jail sentence.”

Poulson was charged last May by a Statewide Investigating Grand Jury probing widespread sexual abuse by clergy against children in six Catholic dioceses in Pennsylvania, including the Diocese of Erie.

Erie Bishop Lawrence Persico released a statement following the sentencing.

“This is a very sad moment for everyone who has been impacted by the crimes committed by Father David Poulson. It’s my hope that the events of this day will bring a measure of healing to victims,” Persico said.

“As part of his plea, Father Poulson agreed to seek laicization, meaning he will no longer be a member of the clergy. He has made the request, and the diocese has sent the necessary documents to the Vatican,” the bishop continued.

“My prayers are with the victims, with the parish communities where David served, and with all those who are experiencing the pain of this situation.”

Joining Shapiro at the sentencing on Friday was Bradford native Jim VanSickle, who was abused by Poulson as a young man. Poulson cannot be prosecuted criminally for what he did to VanSickle, because the statute of limitations on criminal charges.

Poulson was an English teacher at BCC in 1979 when VanSickle first met him. As an adult, VanSickle has become an advocate for child sex abuse survivors.

When the accusations against Poulson in Cambridge Springs came to light last year, VanSickle opened up to his family and friends about the abuse he had suffered decades before.

VanSickle told The Era at the time that he was surprised that instead of condemnation, he was greeted with an outpouring of support.

When Poulson was arrested, VanSickle told The Era he had mixed feelings.

“When he was arrested, in a little way I was elated that justice was about to be served,” VanSickle told The Era last year.

At the same time, though, he was trying to reconcile with confusing feelings of sadness.

“In some ways I was saddened because I still have feelings … he was kind to me,” VanSickle said, explaining Poulson was there for him during an impressionable time in his life.

After leaving Bradford, Poulson remained active in the Erie Diocese until last year.

Shapiro said that since at least May 2010, the Diocese of Erie under Bishop Donald Trautman knew of Poulson’s predatory tendencies — but did nothing to report him to authorities until September 2016, in response to a subpoena from the grand jury. Trautman himself interviewed Poulson in May 2010, and Poulson admitted to the bishop that he was aroused by boys. Despite knowing of Poulson’s admission, the priest was allowed by the Diocese to remain in ministry until 2018, when he was finally suspended by Persico.

“For more than 7 years, the Diocese of Erie allowed Poulson to remain a priest, even though they knew he was a predator,” Shapiro said on Friday.

Poulson was assigned to various parishes during his tenure as a priest in the Erie Diocese. “Two of Poulson’s victims received justice today, and their courage continues to inspire me and every member of our prosecution team,” Shapiro said.

The attorney general also encouraged the state legislature and Gov. Tom Wolf to impose reforms suggested by the grand jury — eliminate the criminal statute of limitations for sexually abusing children, create a “civil window” so older victims could sue for damages, clarify penalties for failing to report child abuse, and specify that civil confidentiality agreements do not cover communications with law enforcement.

“I stand with every victim and survivor of child sexual abuse, and continue to support the passage of all four reforms recommended by the Grand Jury,” Shapiro said. Noting that the criminal statute of limitations prevented his office from charging all but two of the 301 priests identified as predators by the grand jury, Shapiro called on the legislature to renew its work on that specific reform now.

“Eliminating the criminal statute of limitations is absolutely essential,” Shapiro said. “The state House and Senate have both approved its elimination at different times. I strongly recommend that the legislature work together to pass a bill eliminating the criminal statute of limitations. Governor Wolf will sign that bill into law immediately.”

He continued, “The time of protecting powerful institutions over vulnerable children is over. Because of the work of our Pennsylvania grand jury, the men and women of my office, and the victims and survivors, we’ve sparked a movement across the country. We need to continue to spark change and reform through our work here in our Commonwealth. We owe it to every victim and survivor of sexual abuse anywhere.”