Ex-Priest Found Dead in Saratoga Jail Cell

A former priest and inmate at Saratoga County Jail was found dead in his jail cell Tuesday.

According to The Daily Gazette, 51-year-old Michael Hands of Greenwich was awaiting sentencing on two previous guilty pleas involving sexual assault of a child under the age of 17 when he was found dead in his jail cell. State police in Malta determined that Hands had began an online relationship with victim in Charlton and eventually arranged to meet them in person.

He admitted to engaging in sexual contact with the individual. A correction officer found Hands unresponsive in his jail cell at 1:45 a.m. Tuesday morning following a routine check. The officer rendered aid to Hands until EMS arrived and took him to Saratoga Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Hands was indicted on nine counts back in September and had previously been convicted of sexually-abusing a 14-year-old boy on Long Island in 2003 which he served fifteen months in prison for.