By Trevor Wilhelm
Windsor Star
October 26, 2011
http://www.windsorstar.com/news/more+charges+laid+against+priest/5620404/story.html
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| Ex-priest Rev. Linus Bastien, 85, faces two counts of indecent assault and two counts of gross indecency. |
A former Catholic priest already accused of abusing altar boys in Maidstone is now facing two more sex charges from his time at a LaSalle church.
Provincial police first arrested Rev. Linus Bastien, 85, on Oct. 12, charging him with two counts of indecent assault and two counts of gross indecency. He allegedly abused two altar boys in 1978 at St. Mary's Parish in Maidstone.
The OPP said Thursday they arrested Bastien again on Oct. 25 and charged him with two more counts of indecent assault and gross indecency. Those charges stem from 1974 and 1975 when he was assigned to St. Paul's Catholic Church in LaSalle.
Bastien is scheduled to appear in court Nov. 1.
London diocese spokesman Mark Adkinson said he learned of the new charges Thursday night. He said the diocese will "fully co-operate" with police.
"It's sad that there's another alleged victim," said Adkinson. "If there are victims out there, we encourage them to come forward. We just have to wait for the process to move forward. Whenever a victim comes forward we immediately offer counselling."
The OPP asks anyone with information about the case to call them at 1-800-310-1122. You can also make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
twilhelm@windsorstar.com or 519-255-6850
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