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	Priest's Lawyer Disputes Amount Missing from Church By Mike Labella The Eagle-Tribune March 7, 2011 http://www.eagletribune.com/haverhill/x814629050/Priests-lawyer-disputes-amount-missing-from-church HAVERHILL — The lawyer representing the Rev. Keith LeBlanc is contesting the amount of money that police allege LeBlanc stole from St. John the Baptist Church while serving as its pastor. A Haverhill District Court judge has granted attorney William Sullivan Jr.'s motion to obtain copies of an insurance claim the Catholic parish filed with its insurance company, including documents showing the amount of the claim that was paid to the parish. Police have charged LeBlanc, 59, with stealing $81,147 from the parish. Sullivan said his records show a lesser amount, but he would not be specific. "I want to see the real number as it could affect the resolution of this case," Sullivan told The Eagle-Tribune. Judge Patricia Dowling, in allowing Sullivan's motion, continued the case to May 5. LeBlanc resigned as the church's pastor in June of last year. The Archdiocese of Boston said at the time that there were financial irregularities at the parish and LeBlanc was being sent away to receive counseling. On Nov. 3, LeBlanc was arraigned in Haverhill District Court on a charge of forgery of a document and larceny over $250 by continuous scheme. Police said LeBlanc, who became St. John's pastor in 2004, spent much of the stolen money on pornography. LeBlanc said he had a "problem" and needed help, according to a police report. When LeBlanc resigned, he went to St. John Vianney Center in Pennsylvania for treatment, police said. Last month, diocese officials said they had returned the money to the church, restoring its financial stability. In a letter to St. John parishioners, the Rev. Robert Murray said the Archdiocese of Boston used insurance to replenish the missing money, which the church needs to operate. The letter also said LeBlanc is expected to make restitution. In addition, the church is using various methods to protect money it collects, according to the letter. LeBlanc has been ordered to not function as a priest until the whole issue has been resolved legally, the letter said. Murray is the pastor of St. James Church in Haverhill and is overseeing the operation of St. John the Baptist. Join the discussion. To comment on stories and see what others are saying, log on to eagletribune.com.
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