Accused Port Arthur Priest Faces Investigation on Multiple Fronts Surrounding Allegation

12 News Now
December 17, 2015

http://www.12newsnow.com/story/30779232/accused-priest-faces-investigation-on-multiple-fronts

New information today behind the investigation into an allegation made against a Port Arthur priest with the Port Arthur Police Department and the Texas Department of Family Protective services.

Father David Placette, who is the pastor of St. Catherine Church, is being investigated following an allegation made against him. There is no word on the nature or severity of the allegation.

The Diocese of Beaumont will be conducting its own investigation into allegations made against Father David Placette, pastor of St. Catherine Church in Port Arthur, and 12News has learned the names of the members of Diocesan Review Board that will be conducting that end of the investigation. The Board will work in conjunction with the Port Arthur police and the state.

The Diocesan Review Board includes:

Jim Clay, Captain, Criminal Investigations Division Commander, Beaumont Police Dept.

Donald J. Floyd, B.A., J.D., Judge of the 172nd District Court.

Dr. Robert Meier, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist.

Donna Scheer of Orange, TX, member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Community.

Michele Smith, partner at Mehaffy Weber Attorneys.

John B. Stevens, Jr., Criminal District Court Judge for Jefferson County.

Father Martin Nelson, M.Div., JCL, Our Lady of Victory Church, Sour Lake.

Sister Esther Dunegan, IWBS, J.C.L., Chancellor-Diocese of Beaumont; [ex officio].

Msgr. Michael A. Jamail, J.C.D., Ed.D., Vicar General/Moderator of the Curia, Diocese of Beaumont; [ex officio].

The Diocese of Beaumont confirmed the allegations in a statement released Wednesday to family members of the parish.

In the statement, Bishop Curtis Guillory says, "I have placed Father Placette on administrative leave from all priestly ministry, pending both civil and ecclesiastical investigations into this matter. Because the matter is now under investigation, I am unable to provide additional information. at this time."