Priest's child pornography case set for Nov. 27

By Ken Stickney
Daily Advertiser
November 14, 2017

http://www.theadvertiser.com/story/news/2017/11/14/priests-child-pornography-case-set-nov-27/862237001/

The Rev. F. David Broussard is scheduled to offer a plea to in a child pornography case Tuesday.

The Rev. F. David Broussard's trial date on child pornography charges remains set for Nov. 27, according to court officials and the office of the accused man's defense attorney.

Broussard is scheduled to appear before Judge Vincent J. Borne of St. Mary Parish in 16th Judicial District Court in St. Martinville.

The Diocese of Lafayette priest, suspended from his duties after his July 2016 arrest, is accused of possessing more than 500 images of child sex abuse on his personal computer. A diocesan priest for more than two decades, he most recently was assigned to St. Bernard Roman Catholic Church in Breaux Bridge,

where

he also served as chancellor of the church school.

He remained free on $25,000 bond.

Broussard was arrested after he brought the computer to a private repair shop, where a technician discovered the images. By law, he was bound to report the crime to police. An investigation revealed the images were on Broussard's computer for about two years.

Broussard issued a letter of apology to St. Bernard parishioners, which Most Rev. Douglas Deshotel, bishop of Lafayette, read at Mass at the church on the weekend after the arrest.

He entered a not guilty plea before Judge Paul deMahy in May.

After the state's case concludes, the diocese may convene a tribunal to weigh Broussard's status with the church.

Church law says sins of adultery, which include sex with minors, are considered criminal by the church and may be cause for removal from the priesthood.

Robert Chevalier, assistant district attorney who has handled the prosecution, declined comment.

Broussard is represented by Thomas Guilbeau of Lafayette.