Priest Relieved by Results of Police Investigation

Cape Breton Post
April 17, 2012

http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2012-04-17/article-2956952/Priest-relieved-by-results-of-police-investigation/1

SYDNEY — Roman Catholic priest Rev. Paul Abbass has broken his silence over a police investigation that concluded there was no basis for criminal charges against him.

“Obviously I was pleased and relieved that this matter has been resolved,” he said in a statement that was released Tuesday afternoon.

Abbass said although he plans to return to ministry he has to take some personal time for healing.

“I know everyone will understand my need for reflection and healing,” he said while also noting he won’t be doing any media interviews at this time.

The Cape Breton Regional Police said last week they have dropped their investigation into a former employee of Talbot House and have no basis to pursue any criminal charges. Abbass confirmed in an email that he was the person being investigated.

Abbass had taken a leave of absence from his position as executive director of Talbot House, a residential treatment facility for men suffering drug and alcohol addictions.

Talbot House's board of directors didn't reveal details of any allegations against Abbass at the time.

The provincial Community Services Department recently released a report based on an operational review of Talbot House saying it was prompted by a complaint from a former resident of the residential treatment facility, but not providing any other details.

The board of Talbot House in its response to the Community Services report has said it was informed by the provincial department on Feb. 2 that there had been additional reports of complaints and allegations against the executive director including allegations of inappropriate sexual behaviour in his relationships with residents.

The board said although the information it received was second-hand allegation and innuendo, the nature and potential seriousness of the allegations and its responsibility to the residents compelled it to place the executive director on leave from his duties until the matter could be properly investigated.

Following a directive from Community Services, the board reported the allegations to the police, it said.

The board announced the closure of Talbot House last month citing the sudden resignation of an interim executive director.

Abbass said in his statement Tuesday he was saddened by the closure of Talbot House and recognizes that it has caused suffering for many others.

See Wednesday’s Cape Breton Post for the rest of this story.