Lawyer sentenced for destroying laptop used in church porn case

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. - A former attorney for a prominent church was sentenced yesterday to six months of home confinement for destroying the former music director's laptop computer, which contained child pornography.

U.S. District Judge Alan H. Nevas also ordered attorney Philip Russell to pay a $25,000 fine and perform community service. The judge cited Russell's years of good service in sparing him prison.

The music director of Greenwich's Christ Church, Robert Tate, has been convicted of possessing child pornography.

But Nevas said yesterday that Tate took child prostitutes from New York to the church. Prosecutor Peter Jongbloed said Tate sexually abused children in New York, the Philippines and Thailand.

Jongbloed would not comment on why Tate faced only pornography charges but said the issue would be addressed when he is sentenced next month.

Tate's attorney, Francis O'Reilly, declined to comment.

While using Tate's computer, a church employee found images of naked boys, according to Russell's indictment.

Russell admitted destroying the laptop. Prosecutors said neither Russell nor the church knew about allegations that Tate was sexually abusing children.

Russell pleaded guilty in September to knowing about a felony but not reporting it.

"I'm very relieved and very happy this case is behind me," Russell said outside court.

Russell will likely be disbarred, his attorneys said.

Former President George H.W. Bush attended the church while growing up, and funerals for both of his parents were held there. *