More people coming forward in alleged priest abuse case: police

DEER LAKE, N.L. — RCMP say more than one alleged victim of sexual abuse relating to former Deer Lake Roman Catholic priest Rev. George Smith have contacted them.

Sgt. Jacques Morneau of the Deer Lake RCMP, on the province’s west coast, says the identity of a complainant who contacted the Corner Brook Roman Catholic Diocese last month alleging sexual abuse by Smith between 1986 and 1991 could soon be revealed.

“They made contact with the church and forwarded a letter (to the RCMP) where he stated that he’s willing to talk to police about what happened to him now,” said Morneau.

Morneau said Tuesday he will also contact someone who was allegedly abused by Smith while he was serving in Stephenville in the 1970s, but stresses a formal complaint has yet to be filed by anyone.

Smith, who is now a priest on Prince Edward Island, has been relieved of his duties.