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  Priest Charged with Having Child Porn
Felony Complaint Says He Had Sexually Explicit Images on a Computer

By Jordan Carleo-Evangelist
Albany Times Union
May 30, 2007

http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=593649&category=&BCCode=&newsdate=5/30/2007

Albany - A Columbia County priest was granted $50,000 bond this afternoon after an initial appearance in federal court to face charges of receiving and possessing child pornography.

Raymond Ethier, 50, was arrested after computers seized from his home were found to contain pornographic images and videos depicting children, according to a felony complaint filed against him.

Federal authorities allege that Ethier admitted having sexually explicit conversations on the Internet and that he "engaged in sexually explicit conversations with other individuals on the Internet and that these conversations sometimes involved children. However, he indicated these conversations were merely fantasy in nature and that he has never abused a minor."

Authorities also allege that Ethier admitted downloading sexually explicit videos.

The criminal complaint was signed by a special agent with U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. ICE, a division of the Department of Homeland Security, conducted the investigation because the tip originated with authorities in Canada. It was not immediately clear how soon Ethier will be released, but when he is, he will be monitored with an electronic bracelet and must stay away from the Internet.

Ken Goldfarb, a spokesman for the Albany Diocese, confirmed the arrest but said he could not comment because he did not have any information on the charges.

 
 

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