PA priest cleared of wrongdoing

By Mary Meaux
Port Arthur News
December 23, 2015

http://www.panews.com/2015/12/23/pa-priest-cleared-of-wrongdoing/

Port Arthur Police have concluded their investigation thus clearing a local priest of wrongdoing.

Allegations were brought against The Rev. David Placette, pastor of St. Catherine Catholic Church, for an incident reported at the St. Catherine School earlier this month. On Wednesday Placette was cleared and no criminal conduct was found, according to an official with the Port Arthur Police Department.

Bishop Curtis Guillory of the Diocese of Beaumont issued a statement regarding the allegations last week saying the diocese was very concerned to learn about the allegations against Placette. The priest was placed on administrative leave from all priestly ministry, pending both civil and ecclesiastical investigations into the matter.

PAPD Sgt. Scott Gaspard said, in a Dec. 18 interview, that police take the allegations seriously and would investigate thoroughly to determine if a crime had occurred and take appropriate steps toward justice.

Placette became pastor at St. Catherine Church in July 2013, according to information from the church’s website.