Child sex abuse allegation v. retired Boise priest raises question: Is it too late to prosecute?

BOISE (ID)
Idaho Statesman

February 20, 2018

By Katy Moeller

Idaho lawmakers removed the statute of limitations on most child sex crimes in 2006 — so does that mean cases of alleged abuse from decades ago can be prosecuted?

That question is now swirling in the wake of the last week’s revelation that someone has come forward to accuse the Rev. W. Thomas Faucher of child sexual abuse. The alleged misconduct occurred 40 years ago, the diocese said.

The short answer: It’s too soon to tell, but it appears unlikely.

Faucher was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography and illicit drugs on Feb. 2. The diocese has since put out a call to anyone who might have suffered abuse at the hands of clergy, staff or others.

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