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  Sources: Walpole Priest Arrested for Assault

WHDH
June 18, 2010

http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/local/12001546211959/

[with video]

A priest in Walpole was arrested for indecent assault and battery on Monday, sources told 7NEWS.

The suspect, 46-year-old Emile Boutin, Jr., worked at Blessed Sacrament Church in Walpole and was arrested at the church's rectory Monday morning.

"It can't be. I've been here for three or four years, and I never heard anything like that. I don't believe that kid. I don't believe him," sobbed Emilia Downing, a parishioner.

A 21-year-old male told authorities that he pulled into a park-and-ride lot in Canton at around 8:30 a.m. and walked into the woods to relieve himself. He claims he retreated when he saw a "No Trespassing" sign but did not realize he had been followed. The alleged victim says when he turned around, Boutin reached out and groped him.

The younger man made note of the suspect’s license plate number and contacted Massachusetts State Police.

State Police officers then traced the plate to the priest’s home. They say Boutin was wearing the same items of clothing described by the alleged victim.

He has been charged with indecent assault and battery.

The priest reportedly lived about block from the church. Police waited at the home Monday night to execute a search warrant.

Longtime church members cannot believe the allegations against Boutin.

"Very upsetting, I bet for a lot of people," said Kathy Pepin, another parishioner.

The Archdiocese of Boston released the following statement: "Father Boutin will refrain from public ministry while the case is pending. Our prayers are with all those impacted by this matter."

 
 

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