At least a year

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There is one court date this week, and that for Father Howard Chabot this morning:

12 November 2013 (Tuesday):  11am, courtroom #1, “to be spoken to,” Pembroke, Ontario courthouse  (297 Pembroke Street East)

A reminder too that it is only four months since charges were laid – it generally takes at least a year, and more like 18 months to two years (sometimes more) for criminal charges  in Ontario to reach trial.

I had thought about driving up to see what happens but will be unable to do so.  If anyone manages to get there for the few minutes which it will probably take, please let us know the outcome.   As much as it seems futile to make the trip only to find that  another date is set, I find it is interesting  to hear the explanations.

As always, please keep the complainant in your prayers.  Every court date, no matter how seemingly insignificant or routine, is difficult for complainants.

Enough for now,

Sylvia

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68 Responses to At least a year

  1. Kate says:

    The case was withdrawn Father Chabot is innocent !! Please remove all information written about him from this site as it is harmful to his reputation since he was wrongly accused.

    • Sylvia says:

      That was quick! You’re way ahead of me Kate. Actually I just heard a little while ago that the charges were dropped. I put in a call to the Crown Attorney for confirmation – left a message with Mr. Nichol and have not as yet received a call back.

      There will be coverage in the papers tomorrow. I will post whatever information I can find.

      • D.M.H. says:

        Maybe when the crown returns your call Sylvia you would verify the following information is accurate:

        September 3, 2013: First appearance Father Chabot’s lawyer asked a date to set a date FOR TRIAL
        RESULT: date of October 1, 2013 to set a trial date. (I saw you there Sylvia and you either did not hear the set a date ‘FOR TRIAL’ or chose not to include it when you posted)

        October 1, 2013 9:00 a.m: because there were 8 cases that needed trial dates all of them were moved to 1:30 p.m.
        October 1, 2013 1:30 p.m.: The crown said Jason Nicol is the one assigned for Father Chabot’s case. The court suggested October 23, 28 and November 4 but some of the parties weren’t available. The court suggested November 21 but by the time the crown and police figured out if they were okay with it, the date was taken by another court. The court suggested December 2, 2013 and everyone was okay with that.
        RESULT: Preliminary inquiry scheduled for December 2, 2013.

        OCTOBER 8, 2013: A judicial pretrial was done.
        RESULT: The December 2, 2013 preliminary hearing was cancelled and November 12th was scheduled for a “status check” instead.

        November 12, 2013:
        RESULT: Both charges against Father Chabot were withdrawn by the crown

        • Disgusted catholic says:

          Is a reason given for charges being dropped ?

          • Sylvia says:

            I personally have no idea why. I am waiting for media coverage tomorrow and a call from the Crown.

          • Carrie says:

            He is innocent. That is why the charges have been dropped.

          • PJ says:

            Carrie…just because the charges are dropped, doesn’t mean this collar is innocent. It might be that the evidence is not as strong as they would like. Maybe if there is new evidence or others stepping forward, the case could be started again.

        • Sylvia says:

          You’ve lost me DMH. I could be mistaken but rather doubt that a trial was being scheduled for 23, 24 October and 04 November. That would be unbelievable to see a case go to trial so quickly after charges laid.

          Your explanation of the process sounds quite different than the norm. I will do what I can to clarify what has transpired.

          • D.M.H. says:

            those dates were for the preliminary inquiry to be heard …not the trial.

          • D.M.H. says:

            if the crown is too busy to return your call Sylvia I think (because the dates and what they were for is public information) you could call the pembroke criminal court dept. and confirm the dates and what they were for that I posted above?

          • Sylvia says:

            It’s not always quite that easy D.M.H. I posted what was on the slate at the courthouse for each court appearance. Not to worry though, one way or another I will get it all sorted out 🙂

    • dispicable you says:

      He is not innocent I am the victim and I know he is not innocent. The charges were dropped because the crown did not want to release my name and they thought they couldn’t win a he said he said case. So Carrie chose your words carefully before posting. He is in no way innocent. He just got away with what he did. He had the Backing of every high power and no one wanted to touch this case I am not afraid of coming forward. I want everyone to know that Father Chabot is in no way innocent for what he did to me. He is a coward for not wanting to face me so I can let him know what he had done to me. and that that little boy is not afraid anymore. I am a fighter and a survivor. hear me roar.

    • Carmel T says:

      Yes Kate Good for you. Please remove all information regarding Father Chabot. It is indeed wrong , damaging and sinful to keep such information on this site. His life has been stressed compromised and destroyed by some devious person who wanted to cause him harm. Pray for that person they need help. Now moving forward I do expect to see the large picture of Father Chabot that was published in Deep River, Pembroke ,Eganville and many other valley papers with as large a heading stating “This good man has been ,seriously wronged. Society owes this good man a deep, sincere,remorseful apology .Now when do we find out the name and charges being laid against this spiteful person? He deserves his name and large picture on the front of every valley newspaper as well..
      I await with great interest the answer to that question

      • JG says:

        Carmel,
        A good Christian like yourself would be a great addition to defend and promote the welfare of the hundreds of victims who have been vindicated in Court, where “holy men” have been found guilty of abusing young boys and girls.
        Will you commit to defend those innocents from now on? ..or is your compassion limited…
        “Society owes this good man a deep, sincere,remorseful apology”…
        This is a very good statement the church could pick-up. Some have been waiting 20-30-40 years to get that apology from the church.
        I have been waiting 4 years and I know it will never happen.
        Pray for the victims and let Him sort it out. Not all the blind have been healed.
        Keep an open mind and Heart. You can’t have compassion on the one hand and vengeance on the other. That makes you an hypocrite.
        jg

        • Carmel T says:

          Thank you JG. I have never been called a hypocrite before. I guess there are two sides of the fence in this situation. Your side and my side.
          God Bless

          • JG says:

            Iti s not a fence; it is an irresponsible Church hierarchy that is dividing, denying, covering up …
            That is the historic situation and it is not about either of us.
            “This good man has been ,seriously wronged. Society owes this good man a deep, sincere,remorseful apology .Now when do we find out the name and charges being laid against this spiteful person? He deserves his name and large picture on the front of every valley newspaper as well..”
            Your own words and you are not wishing him well! Remember how we should treat an “enemy”?..
            Meditation time maybe before we involve Him.

            jg

      • dispicable you says:

        The Name is Gordon Christopher SOnier I am the victim. I went to Holy Name school from 77-78 to 1-88-89. I grew up in Pembroke and I was an olypmic torch carrier so my picture has been in the valley news papers before for all good reasons. I have been a great community individual that volunteered with the boys and girls club in the 1990’s and also played on sports teams. I went to both Bishop smith and Fellowes High school. Spent 1 year at Champlain high school as well. The charges were withdrawn because the crown had no reasonable point of conviction. It would have been a he said he said case and they think with Father Chabots good name they could not win.

    • Paula Brenner says:

      Oh, I so agree. What a horrible site this is where people are automatically found guilty. I wonder if my comment will make it on to the page?….probably not.

  2. dispicable you says:

    He is not innocent I am the victim and I know he is not innocent. The charges were dropped because the crown did not want to release my name and they thought they couldn’t win a he said he said case. So Carrie chose your words carefully before posting. He is in no way innocent. He just got away with what he did. He had the Backing of every high power and no one wanted to touch this case I am not afraid of coming forward. I want everyone to know that Father Chabot is in no way innocent for what he did to me. He is a coward for not wanting to face me so I can let him know what he had done to me. and that that little boy is not afraid anymore. I am a fighter and a survivor. hear me roar.

    • Disgusted catholic says:

      Sylvia. Is despicable you not allowed to release their name on this site if they choose to ? I hope the reason they are giving for the charges being dropped are not true. ? For not releasing the name. This is a sad day if so. Looking forward to your posting re. Explanation for dropped charges.

      • Sylvia says:

        I don’t yet know what the situation is Disgusted catholic. I heard the news yesterday and, as I said before, have a call in to the Crown to hopefully find out why the charges were dropped. I will see what I can find out today. Meanwhile let’s all keep “dispicable you” in our prayers.

    • Larry Green says:

      Gordon I know you,and, I believe you!

      • dispicable you says:

        Thank you Larry I have been getting that from a lot of people since my name came out. Those who had hatred towards me without even knowing now they say oh my god it happened to someone I know.

      • dispicable you says:

        Thank you Larry I have been getting a lot of that since I came out about tis and my name revealed Those who wanted to burn me at the stake said oh my I know this person. How can it happen to someone I know. and then apologize through messages. People do have a good heart and soul. Just not aware of all the facts all the time.

  3. dispicable you says:

    Just got off the phone with the police and tomorrow morning I will be speaking with the crown but my name ban was lifted so I can mention my name now without action being taken which I wanted, but the police will not tell me any more than that till tomorrow. I am disgusted with what took place and to know he got away with it is enraging to say the least.

  4. JG says:

    dispicable you,
    It didn’t make sense that you couldn’t reveal your name if YOU wanted to. Sealing that information in Court is to protect the victim’s identity. The accused name becomes public once charges are laid in Court.
    For charges to be dropped without an out of court settlement where the two parties agree there has to be something not right… If it is your word against his, your perp, you must have strong evidence, be a strong witness with an iron clad story. If you wavered, changed some details, dates, situations, etc. the Crown has lost the initial confidence to pursue. A reasonable doubt is all that is needed to acquit; anything coming close to what I describe and which can be demolished like a straw house is certainly a reason to reconsider. The Crown, Police do not want to pursue a case they know they will loose.
    It is sad but sometimes the Court, and the public, will place much weight on the “presentation”…A person who has been abused and has had a difficult life with challenges such as alcohol abuse, run ins with the Law, etc. show up in court with the opinion of the “righteous” against him. In there you can easily fit the well groomed policeman with his military training, the Armani sporting lawyer or Crown prosecutor and even the judge whose father was a judge and his father before him a member of parliament or the Lion’s Club….The silver spoon crowd! …Prejudice and sacrificing the victim I would call it. Appearances!
    If you are not convinced, confident and determined enough, they and the Court won’t be convinced.
    On the other side, the defendant is well groomed, a charmer, quite at ease in a Court or public setting; all his life he has “performed” in front of a crowd and we know his financial resources are limitless. The church and supporters will come to his rescue.We have all witnessed it in the past!
    Tomorrow when and what they explain to you, the reason for withdrawal of the charges, ask to have that in writing! I’ll place my bets that you won’t get it or it will be a very diluted and vague excuse, and you will wait for some time to get it…
    It would have been easier, more solid if other voices, other victims had come forward. That is why it is so important for victims to speak up so that the guilty don’t become the heroes!
    Good luck to you and don’t be afraid to speak up. Victims are silent. When you testify, wherever, you are coming back to Life.
    By the way, “charges withdrawn” can mean many things besides “not guilty” or “innocent”…The system is not perfect and not “equal” for everyone; an original “Game box”…
    jg

    • Sylvia says:

      Don’t ask me why, but in many cases publication bans are automatically put on the names of victims and without the knowledge of victims. I don’t know when this ban was imposed, but in this case it is obvious that the complainant did not want it, and I gather was not asked if he wanted it.

      • JG says:

        A publication ban is to protect the identity of victims, witnesses or participants…(486.5 CC)
        In this case the accused name is known and the victim wants his
        name revealed. There is no logic that would prevent the victim from revealing his own name. The ban is to cover media or outside parties from releasing that information. If the victim was led to believe he had to remain anonymous or else, I would have great concern with this. It wouldn’t hold water….unless his safety(protection….) was of concern and the prosecutor decided on his behalf, if the victim was overwhelmed by the proceedings, needed that type of “guidance”…
        My opinion.
        jg

        • Sylvia says:

          Yes, it is presumably to protect the victim, but what I am trying to say is that these bans go on these days and once they are on on the victims are legally bound by the ban. The complainant here did not want to remain anonymous. He blogged a short time ago but we didn’t know who he was.

          I have just posted an article fromt eh Eganville Leader: 13 November 2013: Charges withdrawn against Pembroke priest Tuesday (Text version)

          Note:

          At the same time as the charges were withdrawn by the Crown, the publication ban was lifted on the name of the complainant. Mr. Nicol said the publication ban was lifted at the request of the complainant who has been identified as Gerald Sonier.

          Usually, court imposed publication bans are always in place in sexual abuse trials to protect the identity of the alleged victims.

          “It is unusual,” Mr. Nicol said. “Most of the times the publication bans are to protect the identity of the complainant, but this was his very clear stated desire.”

          I have been getting the impression in the last few years that the bans are imposed without consulting the complainant. In sex abuse cases that is usually fine with the complainant, but, as we see here, not always.

          • JG says:

            Understood, but it is a bit of a red herring. No victim has probably crossed that line intended to protect them. What would the penalty be and which misguided Judge would re-victimize the person who decided to “reveal” his own name.
            Hello! headlines…Maybe it is intimidating for a victim(because he is not consulted and it is all up there in the sphere of the white shirts and black robes) but it would be like punishing someone for tripping on his own shoe lace…
            No hanging possible!..unless the Judge talks to himself and can’t remember which day this is!
            I think it is done to not get blamed or liable for “not doing it” and to keep control of the information. Who wants the Court of public opinion to have a say while the other is in session?
            The Judge would find a way not to loose face.
            “Legally bound” not to reveal your own name??
            Just can’t add it up.
            However “you” would be taken to task, as a way out, by publishing the victims name.
            There is always a mine field somewhere!

            jg

          • Sylvia says:

            It doesn’t add up JG. That’s the problem. Would a judge charge a victim for violating such a ban? Some would. Others not.

            Where, as you say, it becomes problematic is for media covering a story and putting that name out into the public domain. Even if the victim does NOT want the anonymity no reporter is going to print their name because to do so means the reporter is in violation of the ban.

            I recall an instance where an individual who was going before the courts was virtually being pressured to get a publication ban. He was being convinced that he wanted and needed it, but in truth did not. He finally said “no” and that was the end of it, but he was being pushed to get have a publication ban on his name. I suppose at least in that instance he was given the option.

            Like you, I don’t understand, and I don’t pretend to understand.

            We may get a glimpse of other motives here. This is from the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General’s Guidelines – Bans On Publication</em>:

            “The court may (and frequently must) impose publication bans to protect the fairness and integrity of the case, the privacy or safety of a victim or witness, or the identity of a child or youth.”

            “…to protect the fairness and integrity of the case”

            Is that perhaps it? Perhaps at the end of the day it really has nothing to do with protecting the complainant, and everything to do with somehow protecting what someone construes as “the fairness and integrity of the case”?

            I don’t know the answer. I do see however in this case that the ban was problematic and unwanted, and I have seen it in other situations.

            I often tell people that once you get immersed in this whole dirty business of clerical sexual predators it is impossible not to realize that the horror of child sex abuse is like a giant octopus, with each tentacle an issue which in and of itself needs to addressed and could consume many hours of research and lobby. This is but a very a small segment of the judicial arm.

    • Paula Brenner says:

      …or maybe the accuses it innocent.

  5. B says:

    Carmel, Carrie & Kate,

    I’m not sure why you equated “charges withdrawn” with “innocent”–it seems to me there’s a world of difference between them.

    Also, I do not agree with the idea of removing all references to this case, IF it were in fact determined that there had been a miscarriage of justice. That smacks of whitewashing, of trying to pretend that none of this happened. Well, it did happen, and no matter the outcome, I feel it is important that anyone who has questions about the case (parishioners, other potential victims, even any falsely-accused pedophile priests) has somewhere to go where the truth is available for them to peruse: these are the charges, this was the outcome. Otherwise there would be niggling questions and uncertainties. It is wrong to try to bury and hide the truth, no matter how ugly.

    I feel Sylvia is doing the right thing, trying to shed as much light as possible on each case of suspected clerical abuse–it is the only way to try to end this horrifying epidemic. Anything else is just repeating the deceit, secrecy, and lack of transparency that have allowed the Catholic Church to perpetuate it for far too long.

    In addition, as Depicable You indicates, things are far from settled.

  6. Sylvia says:

    I suggest that those who want me to remove Father Howard Chabot’s name read the comments posted by “despicable you.”

    The charges have been dropped. That does not mean that Father Chabot has been declared ‘not guilty’ in a court of law. He would have to go to trial and be acquitted for such an outcome. As it stands, for reasons as yet unknown, the Crown has dropped the charges.

    JG covered some of the reasons that such action is taken by Crowns. There are many. We now know that one for sure in all of this is that the complainant has not backed away, and, sad to say, seems to have had no idea that this was going happen. Please keep him in your prayers.

    “despicable you,” when you talk to the Crown tomorrow be sure to ask if the charges can be re-instated at a later time or if this is it.

  7. dispicable you says:

    After getting off the phone with the crown today I found out different points. Point 1 that many wanted to know is this The charges were with drawn with the possibility of being reinstated if someone else comes forward, or if more evidence is brought forward, so it is not the end of my case as of yet. Second the crownhas informed me that he was not my lawyer and I was not his client. He acted on behalf of the crown not me. Thirdly The open door is still there, however he is not optimistic that having my name lifted will help the case. I think it will. Fourth during the investigation they asked people in the community if they remembered me being at Holy Name school or being an altar boy to try get a placement and time set down. To their records no one remembered me. I went by the name of Chris Sonier back in the 1980’s it wasn’t till 1991 when I changed it to Gordon Sonier. Fifth they said they withdrew the charges because he did not see a reasonable prospect of conviction because of the evidence they had and it being a he said he said case. They the went on to say the problems they had in the case were as followed 1)my mom could not remember me being an altar boy. 2) they defence would hone in on my surpressed memory as being negative. I do not know why my memory surpressed this for so long, but I know that it happened and the memory has come back. 3) the fact that no one remembers me is a big problem for the crown. without evidence of people knowing I was at the school and being an altar boy this is hurtful to the case. The biggest shock I got was when I asked for a copy of my school records. the police officer said that the school was helpful to them and the file came in. But all documents were shreaded after 25 years and that they were replaced with a piece of paper saying what school I attended what grades and the teachers names that is it. No report cards of file info.

    The one thing I want everyone to know is this.

    Growing up in Pembroke I attended Holy Name school I went to mas at Holy Name Church and when I first met Father Chabot he took me under his wing and helped me along the path in life. I adored this man. Thought he was an amazing person for everything he has done in life. I supported this man. When I remembered what had happened to me and that it was in fact Father Chabot that did it I was disgusted shocked and distraught and very hurt. The man I idolized was my perp. To come forward against this powerful man in the public eye was heartbreaking, but I knew I had to do it for myself so I could start the healing process. I have read the articles and have listened long enough. My voice is being heard and I will continue to have my voice heard. Guess like some have mentioned to me I may go to the media. It has also been brought to my attention that I could go other directions if I chose to. The overwhelming support from family and friends is greatly appreciated and from those who do not even know me, to have your support to means the world. To the doubters and haters, well I say have a great day and I hope you continue to live the great life you have lived so far. Forbid that any negativity seeps into your world. Much love and respect for people on both sides.

    Have a great day.

  8. Sylvia says:

    Yes PJ, what you say is so true. Someone might see and help with the missing pieces.

    Gordon, thank you for sharing.

    It is important that people know that the your charges can be reinstated, and that haven’t actually been thrown out the window.

    It is also important that people know that the Crown is not the lawyer for the complainant. Most people are not aware of that. It is one of many things which , for many reasons, bothers me about “the system” in Canada

    You say that the fact that no no one remembers you is a big problem for the Crown. I doubt that there is not a soul who remembers. It is a case finding those who do. You attended Holy Name School and served as an altar boy while there. There are people out there who know that. It is a case of finding those people, be it adults or fellow students who also served as altar boys while you were there.

    You mention changing your name. My understanding is that it wasn’t really a change of name. Your name is Gordon Christopher Sonier . While you were young you went by Chris, your second name, and later you went by Gordon. Is that right? So people should be asking if they remember Chris Sonier who was an altar boy?

    I am going to ask that anyone who remembers you, as Chris Sonier, as an altar boy at Holy Name school and Holy Name Church to please get in touch.

    And, a final thought: do you by any chance have a picture of yourself when you were in Grade 5? That might help. Often people will recall the face but not the name. If you have a picture and are comfortable with doing so, scan it and send me a copy – I will be happy to post it.

  9. Sylvia says:

    I don’t know what happened D.M.H. but the text of your comment did not show. I just noticed the problem and was able to add the text.

    My response:
    dispicable you posted:

    ” Point 1 that many wanted to know is this The charges were with drawn with the possibility of being reinstated if someone else comes forward, or if more evidence is brought forward, so it is not the end of my case as of yet.”

    You call that “thrown out the window”?

    • D.M.H. says:

      I purposefully deleted the post and left a . (period) instead Sylvia because I reconsidered posting it. I thought that was why you had changed to give a person 5 minutes to edit. I chose NOT to post and could not leave it empty. But since you were able to retrieve it. I was referring to your reference to the window. I thought stayed charges leaves it open for a year; but withdrawn charges are done and over with. But everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

  10. Leona says:

    Gordon, thank you for your courage in coming forward. It is not easy! Did I read correctly in one of the articles, that you are living in B.C. now? Hopefully you already have a support group, but if not, Sylvia has my contact information.

  11. Larry Green says:

    Father [deleted] has posted on his site … “Good news for our little diocese”..
    Can anyone understand how the dismissal or postponement of these charges against Fr. Chabot would be “GOOD” news for ’our little diocese? Does that not just tell the whole story about our ’BIG’ church ? Where in the name of Jesus has the ‘presumption of innocence been all along and where in the name of Jesus Christ Almighty is the presumption of guilt right now?
    Here is what I presume:
    Bad news for Gordon Sonier and bad news for other innocent and unsuspecting potential victims. We cannot take our eyes off of our children when there is a priest around them. Our children are always presumed guilty , even, before they report sexual molestation.
    Fr. [deleted] never made, publicly, any comment about this ‘alleged’ crime until he heard what he perceives to be “GOOD NEWS FOR OUR LITTLE DIOCESE.” Bad news for Gordon and the rest of us.

    It’s a big win for those who are ‘PRESUMED’ to be GOOD , HONEST and HOLY.
    Well , Larry Green presumes that Gordon Sonier is telling the truth and that the decision by the court to drop or postpone charges is BAD news for everybody , including our little diocese.
    I pray that some day I can be granted the wisdom and good nature as Gordon Sonier has to wish “both sides” well, but I’m not there yet Gordon.

  12. M says:

    I remember Gordon Sonier (he was known as Chris at the time). He went to BSCH for a few years while I was there. I remember that he had gone to Holy Name school.

    Does your sister remember you serving mass? Do you have any pictures of you around that time? It might help to jog memories. Do you remember any of the other alter boys?

    I am sure you have thought of these questions already…just trying to help. Congratulations for having the courage to come forward. Hold your head high.

    • dispicable you says:

      I am working on getting some pictures together. The biggest hurdle is my parents live in Pembroke and I live in British Columbia. all the pictures are back there. I have a few class pics from me in grade 3 and grade 6. Also thought the school has shreaded the school records I have found the grade 5 report card that was in question .

      • Sylvia says:

        If and when you get a picture send it along dy and I will post it.

        That’s good news that you found your report card. After thinking all your records were shredded that must have made your day 😉

  13. D.M.H says:

    (the ‘at least a year thread’ seems to have headed in ‘ do you know Chris’ direction so I’m re-posting under this which is the more on topic thread anyhow):
    September 3, 2013: First appearance Father Chabot’s lawyer asked a date to set a date for trial
    RESULT: date of October 1, 2013 to set a trial date.

    October 1, 2013 9:00 a.m: because there were 8 cases that needed trial dates all of them were moved to 1:30 p.m.
    October 1, 2013 1:30 p.m.: The crown said Jason Nicol is the one assigned for Father Chabot’s case. The court suggested October 23, 28 and November 4 but some of the parties weren’t available. The court suggested November 21 but by the time the crown and police figured out if they were okay with it, the date was taken by another court. The court suggested December 2, 2013 and everyone was okay with that.
    RESULT: PRELIMINARY INQUIRY scheduled for December 2, 2013.

    OCTOBER 8, 2013: A judicial pretrial was done.
    RESULT: The December 2, 2013 PRELIMINARY INQUIRY was cancelled and November 12th was scheduled for a “status check” instead.

    November 12, 2013:
    RESULT: Both charges against Father Chabot were withdrawn by the crown

  14. Sylvia says:

    I don’t agree D.M.H. I moved your comment back here, a repeat of the one you made on this thread.

    I don’t know what kind of games you are playing, and I most certainly do not know what your point is.

    So, please explain. What is your point? Assuming your information is correct, what is your point? What do you think your timelines prove?

    • D.M.H. says:

      I didn’t realize you posted on the blog (I had responded to your email before reading the blog)

      when I initially posted you didn’t have any threads on the withdrawn charges.

      I wasn’t attempting to “prove” anything. I guess my point is it didn’t take “at least a year, and more like 18 months to two years (sometimes more)”

  15. Sylvia says:

    My comment in the original blog was: “… it generally takes at least a year, and more like 18 months to two years (sometimes more) for criminal charges in Ontario to reach trial.”

    “…to reach trial.” Father Chabot’s charges did not go to trial.

  16. Maureen Bellamy says:

    I know Father Chabot for twenty years and he is a good friend and my son served as an altar boy for years with him. I do not believe this happened to this person maybe something happened to him or he had a bad dream one day. We should pray for him because there must be something wrong with him. And we should pray for all the other crazies out there that have nothing beter to do than bad mouth Father Chabot and try to make him look bad. His true friends Know Father Chabot and know he would never hurt a child or hurt anyone. WE LOVE YOU FATHER CHABOT and we pray for you Chis or Gorden what ever your name is.

    • Sylvia says:

      “…and we pray for you Chris or Gorden what ever your name is.”

      You really don’t know that his name is Gordon? Really?

      You do neither yourself nor Father Chabot any favour with digs like that Maureen.

    • Lina says:

      Ouch…to pray: ‘for all the other crazies’!
      Your upset and having serious doubts about Fr. Chabot yourself?

    • PJ says:

      Maureen…you are a moron. Why you would even post such asinine comments here is beyond me. I pray you never have a loved one sexually abused by someone, but then and only then will you understand how hurtful your comments are.

  17. B says:

    Yes, Lina, I have also noticed that the people who defend known/suspected child molesters are generally extremely angry people who lash out cruelly at those who claim to have been abused as children. And I, too, wonder what the real basis of their violent anger might be.

    • Lina says:

      Many people are not happy (especially in this case) because Sylvia hasn’t remove the name of Fr. Howard Chabot from the accused list.
      Those charges against Fr. Chabot are a fact and she also shown that the charges were withdrawn.
      True, those charges have been dropped. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean that Father Chabot has been declared ‘not guilty’ in a court of law.
      I can understand to a certain degree why the supporters of this priest would be very angry.

      • D.M.H. says:

        leaving it in the accused list is one thing
        There were charges;
        IMHO leaving it link to clerical sexual predators is pushing the envelope somewhat, especially when there is no post in the CSP permalink about “Charges Dropped” article(s).

  18. Gordon Christopher Sonier says:

    So here it goes I have been trying to find people from my school days that remember me being an altar boy. The police said they couldn’t find anyone that even remembered me yet alone find someone that remembered me being an altar boy. Well I have done the work I needed to because I have found not just one person that remembers, but at least 5 people. I have put them in touch with the police officer involved. I have been texting this officer trying to find out everything I can and let him know that there are indeed people that remember and he has not gotten back to me. I have contacted almost every person that I can remember from that class, but some of them do not remember being an altar boy and some of them just do not want to talk about that time. I can understand their side, because the school we went to was indeed tough. Holy Name school. Some remember being scared to go to school and lived in fear of getting thrown around by teachers. The 1970’s and 1980’s at Holy Name school were rough. I get the fact that not everyone wants to accept that this has happened. Like I have said to other people, growing up Father Chabot was like a mentor and Idol to me. He helped me through those tough times at Holy Name, so you can see the pain I went through when it surfaced that he was in fact the predator that victimized me. I have to say I hate the word Victim. But that is what I am. I am also a survivor and I am a fighter. I Have to thank all the love and support from my family and friends, and all of those people out there that don’t know me but are willing to help in any way possible. Things are progressing and I hope they continue to progress and the charges be reinstated.
    Thank You
    Gordon Christopher Sonier

    • Lina says:

      I’m happy you have the love and support from your family and friends.

      It’s great news that there are so many other people that are supporting you and even doing their best to help you.

      You are an amazing courageous person.

      I agree with PJ…you are awesome Gordon!

      Lina

  19. PJ says:

    You go Gordie!! Your persistence in the face of opposition is inspiring! I pray the case gets reopened. Patience may also be needed with the police as well, they may be doing some background stuff as well as the other cases they have. Hang in their man…you’re awesome!

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