Priest Faces Seven Child Porn Charges in Sorel-tracy, Que.

CBC News
March 8, 2013

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/story/2013/03/08/quebec-priest-accused-child-pornography-sorel-tracey.html

A priest in Sorel-Tracy, Que., has been charged with seven counts related to the possession and distribution of child pornography.

The bail hearing for Daniel Moreau, 56, was originally scheduled for today, but has been moved to Monday, March 11 at 2 p.m. at the Sorel-Tracy courthouse.

He’s facing three charges of possession of child pornography, one charge of possession with intent to distribute, one charge for accessing, one charge for distribution and one for production.

The Diocese of St-Hyacinthe acknowledged Moreau's charges in a statement released on Friday.

"We deplore and condemn the fact that such acts may have been committed," said Jean Marc Robillard, vicar general of the diocese.

"We understand the distress that such an event can cause within the entire community of Sorel-Tracy, as well as among all those who knew him through his ministry."

Following diocese policy, the priest has been automatically relieved of his duties and is no longer permitted to exercise his pastoral ministry.

Moreau led worship at the Ste-Anne, St-Joseph and St-Pierre parishes.

"I never expected something like this," said local resident Mathieu Vallee.

Moreau baptized Vallee's son last November.

"I find it sad, for both the parish and its followers," another resident said.

Moreau's resume, which was posted on the parish website but has since been pulled down, lists his work as a scout and church youth group leader. Moreau is also cited as the webmaster for the Montenach de Beloeil scouts group.

He was immediately suspended from les Aventuriers de Baden-Powell, a scouts group, as well.

Quebec provincial police arrested Moreau on Thursday at his presbytery on Du Roi Street in Sorel-Tracy.

Sgt. Daniel Thibodeau said investigators were tipped off about Moreau by another police force.

Officers seized several computers, which are still being analyzed.

It’s possible Moreau will be charged with further counts after all the evidence has been processed.

Moreau's lawyer says he will enter a plea of not guilty. The Crown says it plans to oppose his release on bail.