Priest Escapes Jail Time in Attempted Luring Case

VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) — A Catholic priest who pleaded guilty to trying to lure a 14-year-old girl into his car while she was walking home in Vancouver has avoided additional jail time in the case.

Michael Patrick was sentenced Monday to one year in jail but was given credit for 23 days already served and 244 days were suspended. Patrick is allowed to serve the remaining time in a work release program.

The former pastor of an Oregon church pleaded guilty to attempted luring in connection with the March 2014 incident. However, he told the judge Monday he didn't do the crime.

The victim reported that Patrick urged her to get inside his car by saying, "Come on, cutie." She says she told him no multiple times, but that he continued to follow her.