WBZ
June 28, 2010
http://wbztv.com/local/priest.assault.charge.2.1777907.html
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| Rev. Emile "Mike" Boutin |
Parishioners at a church in Walpole are learning some shocking news about a popular priest.
Father Emile Boutin, known as "Father Mike," is accused of groping a stranger in the woods in Canton.
"Everyone loves Father Mike, and just around the school we see him. He says hi to everyone," said Cameron Murphy, who graduated from Blessed Sacrament School two years ago.
The school is run by the church next door where Boutin works.
According to the District Attorney's office, a 21-year-old man said the incident happened in a wooded area behind the Route 138 Park and Ride lot in Canton on Monday.
The man told police he needed a bathroom, so he walked down a wooded trail on the adjacent state conservation land, looking for a private spot.
He said a man followed him and grabbed his genitals. The victim told police he ran out of the woods, and watched the man return to a Toyota. The man wrote down the license plate number, which police traced to Boutin. The alleged victim was shown a photo of Boutin by police. He identified him as the man who assaulted him.
Police searched the priest's home next to the church and left with several bags of evidence. "He just seems like a nice guy, always with the kids," said Tim Nee, who drove by the home surrounded by police.
"He's popular. He's a younger guy. The kids love him," said former Blessed Sacrament student Kevin Walsh. "He's done a lot of good for us. He's always helped us and he's always been there. He's just a good guy."
The Boston Archdiocese sent out a statement saying, "Father Boutin will refrain from public ministry while the case is pending. Our prayers are with all those impacted."
Boutin pleaded not guilty to an indecent assault and battery charge during his court arraignment.
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