Cops Still Quiet on Priest Whom Diocese Says Involved in Criminal Matter

Seaway News
November 2, 2015

http://www.cornwallseawaynews.com/News/2015-11-02/article-4330189/Cops-still-quiet-on-priest-whom-diocese-says-involved-in-criminal-matter/1

Provincial police are still keeping mum on what appears to be a criminal matter involving a local priest that the diocese has admitted to.

On Oct. 29 the OPP, apparently, charged Fr. Denis Vaillancourt, 69, a retired priest of the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall, in relation to events involving an adult male that allegedly took place several weeks ago, the diocese said in a media release issued late Friday.

OPP Const. Tylor Copeland said Monday the service is still not in a position to discuss the matter, as the investigating officers have not yet returned to work.

"We weren’t updated, so we're looking into it," said Copeland, who added some kind of release from the OPP is expected Tuesday.

The diocese, for its part, said it would not comment beyond its media release but suggested it is addressing the incident.

"Any allegation of improper conduct by a priest is an extremely serious matter," read the diocese statement. "The diocese has co-operated fully with local authorities.

"We must be clear in stating that any form of misconduct by personnel of the Catholic Church is unacceptable. The diocese has developed extensive procedures to foster a safe environment for all members of our faith community…Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected by these events."