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  Idaho Priest Has Been on Leave Three Times

By Bill Roberts
Idaho Statesman
May 15, 2010

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/05/15/1193484/priest-has-been-on-leave-three.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+IdahostatesmancomLocalNews+%28IdahoStatesman.com+Local+News%29

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise acknowledged two leaves earlier this week and reported the third from 1989 on Friday after an inquiry from the Idaho Statesman.

The most recent leave began just this month, pending an investigation, after a nearly 30-year-old allegation of sexual misconduct involving a minor while Gould was a pastor in Idaho Falls.

Because the allegation involved someone who was under 18, church officials will make an announcement Sunday at every church where Gould served, advising them of his removal and the reasons, Idaho Bishop Michael Driscoll told the Statesman earlier this week.

Gould, 71, served mostly in East and North Idaho. He did not serve in the Treasure Valley.

Besides the most recent leave, Gould requested leave in 2005 after questions of sexual misconduct arose involving an adult, according to a Statesman story at the time. The allegation was substantiated, church officials said. Gould was returned to the church in Post Falls in 2006, according to diocese officials.

Gould also was placed on leave in 1989 after an allegation involving an adult while he was at Twin Falls.

Tod Brown, Idaho bishop in 1989, placed Gould on administrative leave and sent him to a treatment facility, according to a statement from the diocese.

"Those overseeing his treatment recommended that he return to ministry while continuing outpatient treatment, receive spiritual direction and attend support groups," the diocese statement said. In response, Brown assigned Gould to Post Falls in June 1990, according to the statement. Diocesan officials declined comment beyond the statement it provided.

Gould and Brown, now Bishop at the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange in California, could not be reached for comment.

Bill Roberts: 377-6408

Contact: broberts@idahostatesman.com

 
 

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