BishopAccountability.org
	Port Barre Priest Arrested, Placed on Leave KATC [Port Barre LA] October 7, 2006 http://www.katc.com/Global/story.asp?S=5508187&nav=menu209_1 (KATC) - There is shock and dismay in the Saint Landry Parish town of Port Barre Friday. The priest at Sacred Heart Catholic Church was arrested charged with 84 counts of theft. Father Charles Trahan is accused along with church secretary Romana Speyer of stealing more than 63,000 dollars from church coffers over the last two years. Speyer was arrested earlier this week, and she was re-arrested on Friday. The Diocese of Lafayette has been investigating financial irregularities at the church for several weeks after an accountant noticed discrepencies. Following the arrest Friday, Bishop Michael Jarrel announced he's placing Trahan on Administrative Leave until the matter is resolved. The Bishop has appointed Monsignor Robert Romero, who's a regional vicar, as the interim priest for the parish. Father Trahan denies the charges. He was freed on a 25,000 dollar bond. Speyer is being held without bond.
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