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	Removed Priest Gives His Side of Story By Marc Thompson WOOD January 9, 2007 http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=5917176&nav=0Rce Caledonia-- Parishioners flocked to Tuesday's special prayer meeting at Holy Family Catholic Church in Caledonia where last week, the Grand Rapids Diocese stripped father David LeBlanc of his position as priest. This happened after LeBlanc admitted to an incident of sexual abuse involving a pre-teen boy back in 1971. The incident took place when LeBlanc was assigned at Saint Jean Baptiste parish in Muskegon. The victim in that case came forward in the early 90's, but Bishop Walter Hurley didn't discover the charges until recently. "Now that we have the charter it's very clear, there's only one way I handle it, and that way is to remove the priest from the ministry," said Hurley, who leads the Diocese of Grand Rapids. 24 Hour News 8 obtained a copy of a letter Father LaBlanc wrote to parishioners at Holy Family. In part LaBlanc says. "I am ashamed that in 1971 I was involved in sexual abuse with a young boy who was in my care for one night. I was immodest with him and embarrassed him. Although there was no physical contact or physical coercion, my act would still constitute sexual abuse because it violated the sixth commandment." 24 Hour New 8 spoke with a woman who asked us not to reveal her identity, but goes by the initials "KJ". KJ remembers father LeBlanc when he was a priest at St. Francis Xavier in Grand Rapids where she was a student in the late 70's. KJ was ten years old at the time and says Father LeBlanc would invite a group of children over to his rectory at least once a week. There she says LeBlanc would video tape them as he entertained. "He made snacks for us. Always wanted us to hug him. One time I remember him having his hand on my leg," KJ said. Looking back on it, KJ says it's her trust she feels was violated the most. "We didn't tell anybody. My philosophy on that back then was, a priest was so trusted, who's going to believe a kid." LeBlanc will not face criminal charges as the statute of limitations has run out. He will not, however be allowed to present himself in public as a priest. LeBlanc is forbidden to wear a Roman collar and can not serve at another diocese. You can read the full letter in the news links section.
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