RCMP Search Two Homes, Office of Accused Bishop, CTV, October 14, 2009

RCMP Search Two Homes, Office of Accused Bishop

CTV
October 14, 2009

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20091014/bishop_search_091014/20091014?hub=Canada

Reverend Raymond Lahey makes his way into the courthouse in Ottawa on Friday, Oct. 9, 2009
Photo by Adrian Wyld / THE CANADIAN PRESS

RCMP officers in Nova Scotia have searched two residences and the office of Raymond Lahey, the former bishop who is facing child pornography charges in Ottawa, and seized computers and other electronic media devices.

Lahey's residence in Sydney, N.S., was searched Wednesday, police said.

RCMP Sgt. Brigdit Leger said the former bishop's residence in Antigonish, N.S., was also searched, as well as his office in that town.

Leger said police conducted the searches as a result of information obtained from Ottawa police and a follow-up investigation by local officers.

The 69-year-old Lahey faces charges in Ottawa for allegedly importing and possessing child pornography.

The charges have not been proven in court.

CTV Atlantic Bureau Chief Tony Battis said officers in Nova Scotia searched the properties at the request of the Ottawa police service.

Nova Scotia RCMP have not been contacted by any individuals with complaints against Lahey, Battis said.

Lahey is currently living at the Roman Catholic Archdiocese in Ottawa while his case is before the courts. He remains free on bail under strict conditions.

Until recently, he served was the bishop in the Diocese of Antigonish.

Lahey stepped down from his position in late September, a few days before Ottawa police issued a warrant for his arrest.

Prior to moving to Nova Scotia in 2003, Lahey served as a bishop in the Diocese of St. George in Newfoundland, where he worked for 18 years.