PA police drop priest investigation, citing 'insufficient evidence'

By Dan Wallach
Beaumont Enterprise
December 23, 2015

http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/article/PA-police-drop-priest-investigation-citing-6718091.php

Father David Placette, pastor of St. Catherine Catholic Church in Port Arthur, was cleared by Port Arthur police in connection with an indecency complaint involving four juvenile males, according to a statement released today by Port Arthur police.

"Due to insufficient evidence, no charges will be pursued against Father David Placette," said Deputy Chief Raymond E. Clark. "After interviewing the juveniles, investigators were unable to establish probable cause."

Clark said the parents of one of the boys complained to police on Dec. 2, launching the investigation on Dec. 4 that resulted in detective interviews of each of the boys. He said the investigation was conducted with the guidelines of the Jefferson County District Attorney's office.

On Dec. 16, Bishop Curtis Guillory announced he had placed Placette, 61, on administrative leave as St. Catherine's pastor nad from all ministerial duties, pending resolution of the investigation, both civil and ecclesiastical.

A statement from the diocese is expected later today.