By Maryanne Firth
The Standard
December 9, 2011
http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3398717
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| Rev. Rheal LeBlanc |
A former Notre Dame College School principal and member of the Holy Cross Fathers has been arrested and charged with possession of child pornography.
The Niagara Regional Police Internet child exploitation unit carried out a search of a Welland home on Thursday following an investigation that began in November.
A number of computer systems and peripheral devices were seized as evidence.
Rheal LeBlanc, 76, of Welland, was arrested and charged with one count of possession of child pornography.
Police have confirmed Leblanc is a Niagara St. resident. The Holy Cross Fathers reside at 201 Niagara St., where Notre Dame was founded.
Father Don Layden, who also resides at 201 Niagara St., confirmed the former principal was the man arrested Thursday.
Rev. LeBlanc was Notre Dame's fifth principal, holding the position at the Smith St. school from 1972 to 1982.
When a $4.4-million expansion was completed at Notre Dame in 2004, the school's new cafeteria was renamed LeBlanc Hall in honour of the former principal.
Following his time at Notre Dame, LeBlanc became the first principal at Saint Paul Catholic High School in Niagara Falls when it opened its doors in 1982. He remained at the school until he retired in 1994.
As a result of a bail court appearance Thursday afternoon, LeBlanc was released to appear in court on Jan. 25.
According to a police news release, investigation into the matter is ongoing.
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