Ex priest Eric Dejaeger
Father Erik Dejaeger omi Father Eric Dejaeger omi (L – Interpol photo)
Father Eric Jose Dejaeger omi
Eric Dejaeger omi
Belgian-born. Came to Canada in 1973. Ordained as an Oblate priest 1978.
15 May 2022: Statutory release from jail. (08 June 2022: “Defrocked priest who sexually abused children in Igloolik, Nunavut, out on parole” & related articles)
Laicized 2011 – still an Oblate
22 October 2015: Sentenced to five years on each of Edmonton charges – sentences to run concurrently to the 11 years he is currently serving, therefore, no more jail time for abusing those children in Edmonton.
29 Sept 2015: Guilty plea to four Edmonton charges dating to his seminary days: three victims
04 Feb. 2015: sentenced to 19 years in jail (8 years deducted as 2:1 credit for time served, therefore 11 years left to serve)
Fugitive Father Eric Dejaeger in Belgium
(Canadian Oblate publications and the Canadian Catholic Directory spell Dejaeger’s first name with a `k`- Erik Dejaeger. He refers to himself as Erik. Somehow media and court documents have him as Eric. I will identify him according to the spelling in given documents) Belgian born Oblate priest. Arrived in Canada 1973. Ordained 1978. Served in the North. 1990 – GUILTY to sex abuse of eight boys and girls in Baker Lake, NWT. 1991: GUILTY to sex abuse of a boy and girl in 1988. 1993 – new charges filed – agreement made between Crown and defence to cancel trial scheduled for July 1993. 1995 – charges from Igloolik laid – Dejaeger flees the country for his native Belgium. These charges stem from his time in Igloolik, Nunavut (formerly North West Territories) Both Baker Lake and
20 January 2011 – Eric Dejaeger leaves Iqaluit courthouse (CHRIS WINDEYER / CP)
Igloolik are part of the Diocese of Churchill-Hudson Bay.) 2001: 2001 an Intrepol warrant (Red Notice) was issued. 19 January 2011 – Dejeager deported and returned to Canada in custody to face trial. November 2011: charges laid in Edmonton, Alberta in relation to allegations of sex abuse dating to his years in seminary in Edmonton. 18 November 2013: start of five week sex abuse trial in Iqaluit, Nunavut. 12 December 2013: Trial adjourned to 20 January 2014 (Crown rested its case). New charges were laid. Dejaeger is now facing a total of 80 sex-related charges from his time in Igloolik. He has pleaded guilty to eight charges. 41 witness took the stand at trial for the prosecution , most of whom are complainants.
10 September 2014: Guilty verdict on 24 of the charges (Nunavut).
NOTE: On 29 September 2015, in the Iqaluit courthouse (Iqaluit, Nunavut) Dejaeger pleaded guilty to two counts of gross indecency, one count of indecent assault on a female, and one count of indecent assault on a male (Edmonton Alberta)
July 2016: denied legal aid for appeal. Dejaeger is now a resident in Warkworth Institution, a medium security facility near Campbellford, Ontario (located in the municipality of Trent Hills, Ontario, between the communities of Meyersburg and Warkworth.)
March 2017: Justice Sharkey rules that Dejaeger to have court appointed lawyer with fees picked up by AG of Canada
September 2018: Appeal of convictions denied. Ruling on appeal of sentencing outstanding. Eligible for parole!!
November 2018: Appeal of 19-year sentence denied
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Appeal?
26 November 2018: “Ex-priest loses appeal for 19-year sentence in Igloolik sex-abuse case” & related article
26 October 2018: “Pedophile ex-priest still guilty, Nunavut appeal court rules” & related article
16 November 2017: Ex-priest Dejaeger’s appeal starts moving through Nunavut court
27 July 2017: Appeal now underway in Nunavut for convicted child molester
16 March 2017: “Nunavut court approves legal funding for pedophile priest Eric Dejaeger” & related article
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Next court date re Dejager appeal: 25 July 2018: 1:30 pm. “to speak to,” Nunavut Court of Appeal, Iqaluit courthouse, Iqaluit, Nunavut; 15 November 2017: update on preparations for appeal, Nunavut Court of Appeal, Iqaluit courthouse, Iqaluit, Nunavut; 26 July 2017: 1:30 pm, Nunavut Court of Appeal, Iqaluit courthouse, Iqaluit, Nunavut ; 15 March 2017: 1:30 pm, “to be spoken to” brought forward to the court of appeal panel, Iqaluit courthouse, Iqaluit, Nunavut; 09 November 2016: Iqaluit courthouse, Iqaluit, Nunavut
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30 January 2015: R v Dejeager 2015 Reasons for Judgment (sentencing) (Justice Kilpatrick’s explanation for the 19 year sentence – includes a factual summary of each offence for which Dejaeger was convicted or pled guilty)
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Media coverage and BLOGS
24 July 2017: BLOG Betrayed!
27 July 2017: Appeal now underway in Nunavut for convicted child molester
21 March 2017: Pedophile priests: The escape
16 March 2017: “Nunavut court approves legal funding for pedophile priest Eric Dejaeger” & related article
14 July 2016: BLOG Well hallelujah!
14 July 2016: “Pedophile priest denied legal aid to appeal Nunavut convictions” & related article
13 December 2015: Sex assault victim sues Catholic organizations and former priest for $3 million
23 October 2015: “Nunavut court accepts joint sentence deal on Dejaeger’s Alberta sex crimes” & related articles
22 October 2015: Eric Dejaeger, ex-priest, sentenced to 5 years for Edmonton sex charges
18 June 2015: Eric Dejaeger, former priest, to plead guilty to Alberta charges
17 June 2015: Eric Dejaeger hearing put off due to lawyer no-show
19 March 2015: Eric Dejaeger, ex-priest convicted of child sex abuse, back in court
18 March 2015: Tech glitches, admin errors wreak havoc on Nunavut court
04 February 2013: BLOG Message in Inuktitut
04 February 2014: Former Arctic priest Eric Dejaeger sentenced to 19 years for sex offences
04 February 2014: Go to jail for 11 more years, Nunavut judge tells pedophile ex-priest Dejaeger
04 February 2015: “Eric Dejaeger, former priest, sentenced to 19 years for child sex abuse” & related article
04 February 2015: BLOG 11 more years in jail
04 February 2015″ BLOG A charmed life
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Lawyers, Crowns and judges
15 March 2017: Appeal: Lawyer to be appointed to represent Dejaeger – fees to be picked up by office of the Attorney General of Canada Justice Sharkey
2011: Edmonton charges: Defence: Malcolm Kempt. Crown: Doug Curliss QC; Barry Nordin; Scott Hughes. Judge: Justice Sue Cooper
2011 charges (all Nunavut charges eventually laid after deportation): Defence: Malcolm Kempt. Crown: Doug Curliss QC; Barry Nordin; Scott Hughes. Judge: Justice Robert Kilpatrick
Initial Defence lawyer: Andrew Mahar
1995 charges (fled the country) : Defence: John M. Scurfield, Q.C
1993 charges (trial scheduled for July ’93 cancelled. ): Defence: (was it Scurfield? I’m not sure)
1991 charges (additional Baker Lake charges. Sentences of eight months and three months to run concurrent to previous five sentence) : Defence: John M. Scurfield, Q.C. Crown: D. McWhinney. Judge: Justice Ted Richard.
1989 charges (Baker Lake) – five year sentence): Defence: Alan Regel. Crown: ?? . Judge: Justice Michel Bourassa
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BREAKING NEWS and Blogs:
(Click here for all Media coverage and BLOGS)
30 September 2015 : “Former priest Eric Dejaeger pleads guilty to more sex-related charges” & related articles
30 September 2015: Nunavut pedophile priest convicted on four more sex charges
29 September 2015: BLOG “GUILTY”: Three more Dejaeger victims in Edmonton
17 June 2015: Eric Dejaeger hearing put off due to lawyer no-show
19 March 2015: Eric Dejaeger, ex-priest convicted of child sex abuse, back in court
18 March 2015: Tech glitches, admin errors wreak havoc on Nunavut court
05 February 2015: “Ex-priest jailed for sex crimes against dozens of children and a sled dog in the Canadian Arctic” & related articles
04 February 2015: Defrocked priest DeJaeger sentenced to 19 years for horrific sex-crimes, leaves ‘dark legacy’ in Nunavut
04 February 2015: Eric Dejaeger sentencing: Judge’s decision expected today
22 January 2015: Nunavut ex-priest Dejaeger says he’s sorry for sex crimes against Inuit children
22 January 2015: Eric Dejaeger sentencing: ‘I promise not to re-offend’
22 January 2015: BLOG Wrapped up in the twinkle of an eye
22 January 2015: Eric Dejaeger sentencing: Former priest to speak to the court today
21 January 2015: Nunavut court: Child-molesting ex-priest deserves 25 years jail time, Crown says
21 January 2015: Eric Dejaeger sentencing: Defence asks for 12 years, minus time served
21 January 2015: BLOG Dejaeger to address the court tomorrow
21 January 2015: BLOG Defence wants four years (12 – 8)?
21 January 2015: Nunavut abuse victim hurls scripture at pedophile ex-priest Dejaeger
21 January 2015: BLOG Crown wants 17 years
21 January 2015: Eric Dejaeger sentencing: Lawyers’ arguments expected today
20 January 2015: Eric Dejaeger sentencing: former priest’s hearing continues
19 January 2015: Sex-abuse victim tells priest’s sentencing hearing wood smell triggers memories
19 January 2015: Nunavut court: After nearly four decades, Dejaeger’s victims have their say
19 January 2015: CBC LIVE BLOG: Eric Dejaeger sentencing: 9 victims make impact statements
19 January 2015: BLOG Dejaeger sentencing update
18 January 2015: BLOG Deported four years ago!
18 January 2015: Arctic hamlet readies for mental health fallout from priest sex abuse sentencing
12 September 2014: Nunavut court: pedophile ex-priest Eric Dejaeger guilty on 24 counts
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10 September 2014: Dejaeger verdict Reasons for Judgment
December 2013: The beauty of Iqaluit (Pictures)
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Upcoming and previously scheduled court dates
Nunavut charges:
Next court date: 18 June 2015: in am, Iqaluit courthouse, Iqaluit, Nunavut ; 16 June 2015 : 1:30 pm, Iqaluit courthouse, Iqaluit, Nunavut ; 17 March 2015: 09:30 am, “to speak to,” Iqaluit courthouse, Iqaluit, Nunavut ;03 March 2015: 09:30 am, “to speak to,” Iqaluit courthouse, Iqaluit, Nunavut ; 19 January 2015: Sentencing hearing, Iqaluit courthouse, Iqaluit, Nunavut; 10 September 2014: verdict, Iqaluit courthouse, Iqaluit, Nunavut ; 26 May 2014: continuation of trial, Iqaluit courthouse, Iqaluit, Nunavut; 17 – 20 March 2014: continuation of trial which started 18 November 2013), Iqaluit courthouse, Iqaluit, Nunavut; 20 January 2014: Iqaluit courthouse, Iqaluit, Nunavut (continuation of trial which commenced 18 November 2013 (The Crown rested its case before Christmas. Defence will present its case starting 20 Jan. ’14)
Edmonton charges
Next court date: 22 October 2015: 1:30 pm, sentencing, Iqaluit courthouse ; 29 September 2015: guilty plea to four Edmonton charges (in the Iqaluit courthouse, Iqaluit, Nunavut) ; 06 March 2015: 09:30 am, in arraignment court, Edmonton Court of Queen’s Bench ( 1A Sir Winston Churchill Square , Edmonton, AB) ; 06 February 2015: 09:30 am, in arraignment court, Edmonton Court of Queen’s Bench ( 1A Sir Winston Churchill Square , Edmonton, AB) ; 26 January 2015: 09:30 am, to be spoken to, Edmonton, Alberta courthouse;12 September 2015: to set date for trial, Edmonton, Alberta courthouse ( waived right to preliminary hearing); 31 July 2014: 09:00 am, preliminary hearing, Edmonton, Alberta courthouse (booked for one day); 08 January 2014: 09:00 am, courtroom # 356, “to set date,” Edmonton, Alberta courthouse; Preliminary hearing: 2-3 December 2013, 09:00 am, courtroom # 355, Edmonton Alberta courthouse.;; 29 October 2013: Pre-trial conference, 09:00 am, courtroom # 001, Edmonton Alberta courthouse (NOT open to the public); 31 May 2013: Pre-Trial hearing – NOT open to the public; 21 February 2013: 09:00 am, courtroom # 356, “to speak to,” Edmonton Alberta courthouse; 07 February 2013: 09:00 am, courtroom # 356, “to set a date,” Edmonton Alberta courthouse; 20 & 21 December 2012: Preliminary hearing, Edmonton, Alberta courthouse; 29 March 2012: 9 am, courtroom #265, Edmonton Alberta court house “for election and plea”; 01 March 2012: 09:00 am, courtroom #265, “for a plea,” Edmonton, Alberta, Courthouse; 25 January 2012: 9 am, court room #256 `for election and plea` Edmonton, Alberta, Courthouse; 16 December 2011: 9 am, courtroom #265, Edmonton, Alberta, Courthouse; 02 December 2011 (Edmonton court house, Edmonton, Alberta)
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Click the links below for pictures
From fugitive in Belgium to incarceration in Iqaluit
Father Eric Dejaeger omi – living as a fugitive from justice in Belgium
Paters Oblaten retreat in Blanden, Belgium where Father Eric Dejaeger was living as a fugitive
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Documents of interest pre Dejaeger’s return to Canada
21 July 2010: – “Wanted: DEJAEGER, ERIC JOSE (Interpol 2010)
08 May 2010: Father Eric (English translation of article in Belgian publication De Morgen. Original Flemish tex below in pdf format) 08 May 2010: De Morgen Part One (pdf) 08 May 2010: De Morgen Part 2 (pdf – scroll to second page to view Interpol warrant – English)
Mid May 2009: Father Dejaeger concelebrates at a funeral Mass in Belgium. His faculties had presumbly been revoked in 2002
22 April 2002: Dejaeger Adjudication & Disposition
22 April 2002: Warrant for Arrest of Eric Dejaeger (Nunavut)
03 May 2001: Interpol warrant (Red Notice) for Eric Dejaeger“May be dangerous”
05 July 1995: Letter to Father Erik Dejaeger in Belgium from “J.P.” in St. Boniface, Manitoba on Oblate Provincial letterhead (gives a heads up re warrant issued for Dejaeger’s arrest. J.P. is probably Father Jean-Paul Isabelle omi who is listed at the St. Boniface provincial address in 1995 and as Provincial at the same address in 1996 )
1990: Article in Inuit newspaper re sentencing of Father Eric Dejaeger on sex abuse conviction
20 April 1990:R. v. Dejaeger – Reasons for Judgement
[Note of interest: John A Scurfiled of the law firm Wolch, Pinx, Tapper, Scurfield, was retained by the Oblates to represent Dejaeger in the mid 90s. Sheldon Pinx, a partner in the firm, just got Monsignor Roger Bazin off scott free.]
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Chronology
The following information is derived from newspaper articles (see 1990 above) , a court document (see R. v. Dejaeger above), the Canadian Catholic Church Directory (CCCD), personal phone calls, a translation from the Belgian publication, De Morgen (see “Father Eric” link above to English translation of o8 May 2010 article), and Canadian media. Note that Nunavut, Canada’s largest territory, was formerly part of the North West Territories. Prior to the 01 April 1999 Nunavut Act Baker Lake and Igloolik were in the North West Territories. Iqaluit, Nunavut’s capital, was formerly known as Frobisher Bay. For simplicity’s sake, regardless of date I have referred to all locations as part of Nunavut. According to media reports, also served in Repulse Bay and Pelly Bay
September 2018: Appeal of convictions denied
_ Eligible for parole!!!
15 March 2017: Nunavut Court of Appeal: Justice Shareky rules that Dejaeger is to have a lawyer appointed with fees paid by the Attorney General of Canada
09 November 2016: DeJaeger advised court that he would like to have legal representation to assist with his appeal
26 March 2015: filed a “prisoner’s appeal’
22 October 2015: sentenced to five years in prison for each of four Edmonton Alberta charges – sentences to run concurrent to each other and to the 11 years he is currently serving on the Nunavut convictions
29 September 2015: Edmonton Alberta charges – GUILTY plea to two counts of gross indecency, one count of indecent assault on a female, and one count of indecent assault on a male
04 Feb. 2015: sentenced to 19 years in jail on Nunavut charges (8 years deducted as 2:1 credit for time served, therefore 11 years left to serve)
10 September 2014: Guilty verdict on 24 of the charges (plus guilty plea to eight charges)
12 December 2013: Trial adjourned to 20 January 2013 (Crown rested its case). New charges were laid. Dejaeger is now facing a total of 80 sex-related charges from his time in Igloolik. He has pleaded guilty to eight charges. 41 witness took the stand at trial for the prosecution , most of whom are complainants
18 November 2013: TRIAL (originally scheduled for 10 weeks, now scheduled for five to six weeks. Lead prosecutor is Douglass Curliss of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan with Scott Hughes of Iqaluit, and Barry Nordin, formerly of Iqaluit and now of Halifax, Nova Scotia.) All charges date to the years 1978-1982 and include charges of bestiality
01 October 2012: Entered not guilty pleas to all 76 charges against him in Nunavut
March 2012: Dejaeger’s previous lawyer for the Nunavut charges was elevated to the bench. He has retained a new lawyer, Malcolm Kempt of Iqaluit
November 2011: New charges from Edmonton, Alberta
24 January 2011: three new charges added to the original six in Igloolik: two of indecent assault from Igloolik, and one of failure to appear.
20 January 2011: He landed in Iqaluit, Nunavut 20 January 2011 and was taken directly to the Iqaluit courthouse and then to the Baffin Correctional Centre where he is currently housed in a single cell and, initially at least and by personal preference, segregating himself from the rest of the inmate populace. One week before trial facing 75 charges, some of which are charges related to bestiality.
19 January 2011: DEPORTED (Dejaeger was deported when it became known that he had lost his Belgian citizenship. His passport expired in 1997. He was living in Belgium illegally.)
Sept. 12, 2010: “Oblates issue statement saying Dejaeger will turn himself in” (CP timeline)
September 2010: Belgian Foreign Affairs. Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation statement re Dejaeger’s citizenship
08 May 2010: article in Belgian newspaper De Morgen re Father Eric Dejaeger living in Belgium
May 2010: living with small group ( 6 or 7) of Oblates in Blanden, near Leuven. Dejaeger’s address is known, as is the fact that he is a wanted man. No action.
Mid May 2009: – concelebrated at a funeral Mass (click here for picture)
April 2003: April 2003 edition of Oblate Communications notes that Father Erik Dejaeger will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of his ordination on 28 May 2003. Listed as “Belgium North” (http://www.omiworld.org/Informazioni.asp?L=1&I=44)
22 April 2002: Nunavut – bench warrant issued for Dejaeger’s arrest.
22 April 2002: Adjudication and Dispostion: Six charges: 3 of buggery, 3 of indecent assault against a male
22 April 2002: Warrant issued for arrest of Eric Dejaeger
27 February 2002: – Dejaeger’s Oblate provincial writes to the President of the the Interdiocesan Committee for Sexual Abuse (Belgium) and states in part:
“… you do not have the right to make this affair public, because it would harm the church and cause injustice to the Oblates”. (De Morgen)
03 May 2001: – Interpol international warrant issued for Eric Dejaeger for ‘rape of minor, sex crimes’ – advises he “may be dangerous.” (De Morgen) Warrant is published in at least one newspaper
– (exact date unknown) Complaint against Dejaeger by young Flemish woman who made a pilgrimage to Lourdes (De Morgen). Apparently the complaint was not of a sexual nature, but rather that she identified him and was aware that he was a convicted child molester. (A newspaper published the Interpol warrant. This may have been fallout from seeing his picture in the paper) It is believed that after this or around this time he was supposedly stripped of his faculties to say public Masses and hear confessions (phone), however, in 2009 he was pictured concelebrating at a funeral Mass – Despite knowledge that he was wanted by Interpol, no action was taken.
Early 1997 – at least mid 2000: working in Lourdes, France. According to article in De Morgen (Father Eric) Dejaeger was receiving pilgrims and hearing confessions at the Lourdes Shrine. During off season for pilgrimages he stayed with the Oblates in Waregem, Belgium.
1996: Not listed in Canadian Catholic Church Directory
05 July 1995: Letter from Canadian Oblate superior addressed to Dejaeger at Processiestraat 1, Waregem, Belgium states in part:
“Dear Eric,the RCMP (Canadian police) called me this morning. There is a search warrant out for you. This means that if you were to come to Canada, you would be arrested upon arrival. They asked me where you were and I told them you were in Belgium, but that I did not know where.”
July 1995: – Warrant issued for his arrest.
July 5, 1995: “Oblate officials in Belgium are informed that a Canadian arrest warrant was issued against Dejaeger. Dejaeger told by Oblates that nothing is likely to happen unless he comes to Canada.” (CP timeline)
20 June 1995: fled the country for his native Belgium. (What was Dejaeger doing with his passport or passports? )
20 June 1995: “Oblate officials are informed that Dejaeger is in Belgium.” (CP timeline)
13 June 1995: – trial date set
20 April 1995: Dejaeger invited to return to Belgium (CP timeline)
26 March 1995: “Dejaeger writes to Oblate officials in Belgium to propose a possible return.” (CP timeline)
19 February 1995: – charged with 6 counts of indecent assault and 3 of buggery (these charges relate to Igloolik allegations). (Why were Dejaeger’s passports not confiscated?)
1994 & 1995: address in index listed as CP 35A, RR 2. Lorrete, Manitoba, ROA OYO (Diocese of St. Boniface, Manitoba) (CCCD)
The first Homes for Growth House was in Lorrete, Manitoba. Is this the address? Was Dejaeger perhaps staying here after his incarceration? http://www.sea-of-flowers.ca/weblog/sea/archives/2004/05/17/more-about-sist.php
Also http://www.rickross.com/reference/clergy/clergy95.html
1994: RCMP interview complainants in Igloolik
Jan-Feb 1993: New charges filed
10 June 1993: “Dejaeger’s lawyer writes to the Crown asking if another trial is needed. After some correspondence and discussion, a trial scheduled for early July is cancelled.” “‘Internal Oblate correspondence indicates ‘no further charges are expected.’” (CP timeline)
11 March 1992: Granted full parole subject to conditions in effect till 1995. Enrolls at University of Manitoba (M)
12 September 1991: Released from Rockwood Prison, a minimum-security institution in Stony Mountain, Man. Moved to halfway house
1989 – 1991: Canadian Press articles re Father Eric Dejaeger’s 1989 & 1991 sex abuse charges
June 1991: GUILTY to sex assault 14-year-old girl and 16-year-old boy in 1988. Sentence to run concurrent to previous sentence. According to one source, served 18 months in jail.
April 1991: Dejaeger pleaded not guilty to the five charges. The Crown reduced the number of charges to two
January 1991: Five charges from two teenage victims
April 1990: GUILTY to nine offences of sexual assault and indecent assault, committed over a period of seven years in Baker Lake involving eight different victims both male and female. Charges included repeated acts of sodomy of two young boy. The sexual abuse of the boys began when they were between the ages of 8 and 12. Five year sentence.
September 1989: prior to being charged had been scheduled to take a one year sabbatical to study linguistics and the Inuit language of Inuktitut
29 August 1989: appeared in Yellowknife court –Released on bail ($85,000) (M)
– was required to deposit his Canadian and Belgian passports with Yellowknife RCMP
Seems to have been residing at the House of Growth (Homes for Growth), in Milner Ridge, Manitoba. Ordered by court to remain there until his next court appearance. The Homes for Growth, also known as Maissons du Croissance, was in part a communal living arrangement founded around 1977 by Sr. Jeanne Wilfort csc, a Sister of the Holy Cross and, according to another source, co-founded by “Winnipeg-based” Oblate Father, Raymond Beauregard,. According to one source, Wilfort was` trained in a method of therapy called “PRH” (Personality in Human Relationships)which originated in France with Father Rochais. Wilfort’s specialty “ Affectivity” which, according to one source” is supposed to be how to love and be loved, and to express oneself affectionately.” It seems Wilfert provided ‘treatment’ of some sort and was seen by herself and others as some sort of healer. The homes were supported by the Holy Cross sisters and the Oblates. In 2002 several religious sisters alleged that they and other females were sexually abused by Wilfort. A lawsuit was launched. Click here for further info re House of Growth/Homes for Growth/Sister Jeanne Wilfort csc
21 August 1989: arrested – seven charges related to allegations of sex abuse in Baker Lake, NWT (Now Nunavut) (M) Arrested in Langley, BC
August 1989: according to media, studying linguistics in Langley, BC.
June 1989: attended a missionary meeting in Edmonton, Alberta
1982-1989: Baker Lake, Nunavut
May (?) 1989: On advice of Bishop Rouleau moved out of Baker Lake. Apparently initially went to a religious house in Winnipeg, Manitoba
April 1989: Bishop Rouleau alleged he learned in April that Dejaeger might be charged. According to media Rouleau said he learned for someone outside the community. (M)
1985: Baker Lake (CCCD) (Diocese of Churchill-Hudson Bay, Manitoba)
1982: Transferred to Baker Lake, Nunavut
1978-1981: Igloolik, Nunavut, Canada (Diocese of Churchill-Hudson Bay) ( http://www.arcticomi.ca/2igloolik.html) Fellow Oblate Father Robert Lechat was serving in and around Igloolik around the same time. According to the Oblate directory Father Lechat served in Igloolik from 1972-1986 and 1988.
1978: ORDAINED as a priest for the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. – As an Oblate priest served in the missions in the Canadian Arctic.
1977 : Takes out Canadian citizenship. Served his diaconate in Repulse Bay (Diocese of Churchill). (he allegedly lost his Belgian citizenship at this time because he did not apply for dual citizenship)
Attended St. Joseph Seminary in Emonton Alberta (the seminary is connected to Newmand Theological College). I am told that Dejaeger did spend some time in seminary formation in Belgium – he was with the Oblates before his arrival in Canada. I have also been told that he spent some months at St. Paul’s, the Oblate administered seminary and university in Ottawa, Ontario. The actual years are at this time unknown.
(allegations of sex abuse from Edmonton Alberta span the years 1975-1978. Those are years in which Dejaeger would have been a seminarian)
May 1974: Leaves Pelly Bay for Edmonton, Alberta
1973: arrived in Canada. “”…visits several Arctic Missions. Stays briefly in Pelly Bay NWT (now Kugaaruk, Nunavut) (M)
28 June 1973: leaves Belgium.
24 April 1947: Born in Roeselaar, Belgium’ (De Morgen)
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Record of charges
Current Charges in Nunavut:
December 2013: facing a total of 80 sex-related charges from his time in Igloolik. Pleaded guilty to eight charges.; 41 witness took the stand at trial, most of whom are complainants
May 2012: 35 new charges added for a total of 74. (One May report says 77) There are 18 new complainants for a total of 39. (this doesn’t marry with previous numbers but will eventually get sorted out in court) 14 May: There may be one more complainant, in which case there would also be additional charges. In addition to most of the charges which are sex-related the charges include one of failure to appear in court, one of unlawful confinement, one of uttering threats, and three counts of use of violence to prevent reporting of suspicious activity and one of bestiality.
15 August 2011: five more charges added. The total number of charges Dejaeger now faces in Nunavut is 30. I don’t have them all, but the total now is 30.
21 March 2011: there have been a further 11 charges from five complainants. There are now a total of 11 complainants (7 male and 4 female) and 20 charges (19 sex-related and one failure to appear).
On 09 February 2011 a further charge of indecent assault was added. That charge relate to allegations of a female – all other Igloolik charges relate to allegations by males.. There are now six counts of indecent assault, three counts of buggery, and one count of failure to appear in court. There are five male complainants and one female complainant
On 24 January 2011 three new charges were added to the six of indecent assault and buggery he already faces from Igloolik. The new charges are: two of indecent assault from Igloolik and one of failure to appear for his June 1995 courtdate. According to Crown Paul Bychok “The Crown expects charges to arise in a number of Canadian jurisdictions.”
when was eric dejaeger in lourdes?
I don’t have the exact times frames Dejaeger was in Lourdes. I do know that sometime in 2001 a woman reported that he was there.
My understanding is that he was there for some time – possibly in the late 90s through to early 2000s ? I will try to tighten this up over the next week.
Do you have any information?
Hi, I just really, really think you need to get yourself a life…where does all does personally affect you? Have you ever met any of the victims? My guess is no and you don’t care. But you do care about drama and selling it to the weak individuals who accidentally run into your “website”. I’m related to one of the rapist criminals you speak off, unfortunately I do not recognize this person based on your comments and facts…
It affects me because I am a Roman Catholic. It afects me because I value the innocence of a child. It affects me because I believe that priests should be holy. It affects me because I believe that criminals should be held accountable for their crimes. It affects me because I beleive justice should be served on this earth.
I gather you don’t want to tell me which of the “Accused” you are related to? Unfortunately if that’s the case I assume you don’t want to tell me which facts might be erroneous? If I have erroneous information posted it warrants correction. Would you not agree it’s impossible for me to correct a factual error if I don’t know where the error lies?
I agree, just like I do not know all the facts on the OJ Simpson case but you don’t see me writing about it. Reason: I don’t know! You should try the same…
This is a futile exchange J. I don’t know who you’re defending. Perhaps I know more than you think I know?
You nailed the nail on the head, words like perhaps, maybe, believe, seems, said to, ETC. add them up and you’ve got verbal diarrhea 101. I surely hope this is a hobby/cult of yours because I’d hate to see somebody wasting a T-4 on this!
J, it really is such a shame you refuse to identify the priest you are presumably defending. I will say one more time, if you beleive there are errors in fact please let me know. That of course entails identifying the priest. If you’re not ready to take that step then all your huffing and puffing and insults are getting you nowhere.
As for T-4 slips, don’t I wish!
I just today read about this case and am very shocked. I can answer your question regarding Lourdes, for I worked there with Fr. Eric as a volunteer in July 1997. So, Fr. Eric was in Lourdes from early 1997 untill at least mid 2000, when I met him again during a pilgrimage there. At the time, his case was in full development, and he had already been accused and punished in Canada. He told us alot of Canada… But who knew at the time he caried such a heavy past on his shoulders… In his new job there, I percieved Eric as very authoritive and demanding. Someone even said him once he should let his heart speak more, to which he agreed but was very uncomfy with that remark.
Sylvia,
Keep up the good work. This site is so important, to so many of us.
There will always be people like ‘J’. The deflecting tactic ‘J’ is using is the oldest trick around.
Thanks again for all the good you do!
Ludwig,
I would like to talk with you. Can you send me an email to pascal.henry@pltv.fr
the first Interpol international warrant for arrest has been published in 1998, as you can see just below for the picture.
Sylvia, who’s doing the huffing and puffing? I’m I the one dedicating my spare time(terrific hobby BTW)in accusing, insulting and babbling about somebody’s LIFE other then your pathetic own?! I believe a certain little book has a 9th commandment about what you are doing here. Where is the justice in that?
In response to J…
I have been following your spewing very closely. I am not here to defend Sylvia, believe me she is quite capable of defending herself. In Sylvias’ responses, she keeps asking you to aim her at where YOU think she may have misleading info but you refuse to do so. So I guess my question to you is……..WHY NOT?
Oh, while you have that “certain little book” open maybe you should look just below where you told Sylvia to read and you will find the 10th commandment…………
“You shall not covet your neighbour’s house, you shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbour’s.”
Dictionary meaning of “covet”….”to desire wrongfully or without due regard for the rights of others.”
Sylvia is not coveting your silence or your right to speak. Why are you trying to covet her right to speak?
John Mac Donald
Your post to ‘J’, I couldn’t have said it better John Mac Donald. Thank You!
Hahaha, I’m certainly glad there is 2 winners with all kinds of time for drama on this site “monitoring” it’s activity closely.
At this point I am going to heed my fathers advice to…….
“Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.”
Have a great day J!!!
John Mac Donald
I do not know what you are talking about ‘J’. You are gloating about something I just cannot put my finger on.
Sylvia, has been more than generous with you. Are you that kind of a person that would like to censor all kinds of media, blogs, even a thread like this one so the priests who do evil acts could get away with it or take no responsibility for their actions. Scare victims deeper in fear so they can stay quiet & suffer in silence. While it is business as usual for certain clergy in church!
‘J’ I am not replying to you again. I will leave it to the others if they choose. I hope victims do not deal with people like you but only the victims know for sure what they really go through.
TROLL……ignore!!!
I sence a lot of frustration on this site. However I do not feel any real help to victims or do I sence an attitude of forgiveness and efforts to help to prevent these events in the future with a positive approach. Many of what is brought foreward here is decades old news that does not take victims or offending priests in account.
This site preaches an eye for an eye, has little to do with real Catholicism and a believe in humans who make mistakes but also have an ability to do better and learn from the past. I’m dissapointed that this efforts here do not lead to make us a better world but rather search to destroy individuals and dwell on the past.
I do not read anything about offending priests that are sorry, how they suffer under what they did and what they are willing to do to make up for their mistakes. Also do I not read how the victims here are healed and helped out to become loving members of their society and how a bad experience can be turned around and used as a building block for their future lives.
Citing ages old bibles or other scriptures and using the words to fit our feelings and frustrations around clergy and sexuality is not positively building on a better future, nor will it prevent future offences. Whitch hunts and prosecutions in the past did not help us very much today,just look at history.
Until the judgement day of what I did with my life comes, I like to fill my pages with love, understanding and deeds to contribute to turn lives that took a wrong direction into a positive direction. I believe that this is also the spirit of the Church and many other religions. We are all here on earth to learn and become better individuals.
I have no intentions to start a war of words or continue writing here. This is a public blog and I used it to state my opinion and I encourage people to forgive.
Marc,
I would like to comment on something I read somewhere on this blog or a linked article. It said that, in Lourdes, Fr. Eric had free access to children and young people. I would like to nuance this a bit. I think that this ‘free access’ was quite unlikely, since Eric had a public duty. He never worked directly with children, but with seminarians (thus adults) who did voluntary work under his authority/responsibility. There might have been children around him. But these were always accompanied by their parents during their stay in Lourdes. Eric would be saying Mass, leading the Way of the Cross, giving talks.. So, the chance that he might have abused a child in Lourdes is practically zero. Not that I am defending him – far from that – but I wanted to clarify this. I still can’t get over this;it’s so unbelieveable. Yikes…
Marc V,
Thank you Marc V for stating your opinion. I have no intentions myself to start a war on words. You probably would win. I’m not an expert in expressing myself.
I speak from my heart. We do not live in a perfect world. We all make mistakes & we should learn from those mistakes. Sadly, many folks do not learn from their errors, worst yet, they do not think they did the wrongs until they are caught. Still, this does not mean one should get a free pass from taking full responsibility for one’s actions especially the criminal evil acts against others.
As for healing & forgiveness that is a good goal to reach. Some do eventually attain it; others may take longer, others never. Sadly, there’s another group that saw the only way out of their misery & pain was by taking their lives (suicide).
You cannot force someone to heal & forgive according to your schedule.
One of the main goals is justice for the victims & justice for the perpetrators.
Just some thoughts of mine.
Marc V
From Dignity and Duties of the Priest or Selva – St. Alphonsus de Liguori (for priests)
Thanks for the clarification Ludwig. I pray you are right. I imagine Dejager had free time at Lourdes. Let’s hope he spent it in prayer and fasting for the little souls he so ruthlessly violated.
Sylvia, thanks 😉 Indeed, he had one day off per week (Tuesdays). For the rest of his time, I guess he had a really full agenda, since he was responsible for everything taking place in Dutch language in the Shrine (Masses, gatherings, hospitality, group organization, you name it). I remember always being relieved on Tuesdays, because it was his day off and we didn’t see him that day. As I told above, he was quite demanding and auttoritarian, and his presence always posed a certain tension with me. I remember him talking about Canada on various occasions. So he said, he spent his day off in Lourdes fishing at the lake. “I inherited that from my Canadian time, where we’d go fishing to have sth. to eat.” As for me, fishing on a calm lake, in solitude, is a perfect setting for prayer and reflection. Who knows he did so… But in hindsight, now that I know all this, and I think back of him in Lourdes, I think he really was well aware of his situation. I think his Congregation sent him there on the one hand to ‘hide’ him away from the world, but on the other hand it might just have been on purpose to make him recollect and recover. I think his demanding and authoritary attitude was just to hide his fragile conscience, his insecurity, his fear of the future perhaps… I am aware that police are searching for him and that Interpol has put out a red notice on him. So what should I do? Would I contact Interpol as a witness? Can my experience with him be a little part of the puzzle? Anyway, thank you for putting this story up on your site, Sylvia; you’re a dear person and I appreciate you very much. GBU!
Luwig, I think you should go to your local police. That is what is recommended by Interpol. I don’t know where you are in relation to where Father Dejaeger is in Belgium, but I suggest you get in touch with someone in your local police force. Tell them he is on the Interpol wanted list and take it from there.
I think it would also be a good idea to contact Douglas De Coninck at De Morgen. He wrote that article “Father Eric” in May of this year.
Good luck. And keep us informed.
Sylvia, Ludwig,
the local police in Belgium, the RCMP and Interpol were informed of the red notice on father Eric last Monday.The provincial of the oblates is denying that father Eric fled from Canada in 1995. But he did not appear in court and the RCMP were looking for him shortly after that. In 2000 they were still looking because they had Interpol write a warrant for him. Today they are still looking for him, because they had Interpol issue a red notice. People in Europe do not realize that the law in Canada on sexual abuse of minors is different than in most European countries. In Canada there is no statute of limitations. So it does not matter how old the crime is. The church here are saying that they will follow the law, well let them prove it now.
You are right watching. There is no statute of limitations on these crimes in Canada. That may well cause confusion in Europe. As you say, however, the facts are that (a) in Canada Father Eric Dejaeger is a wanted man, and (b) having fled Canada to elude justice Father Eric Dejaeger is living in Belgium as a fugitive from justice.
I am hard pressed to understand how the Belgian Oblates do not understand that Father Eric is a wanted man. The Interpol red notice speaks for itself. Surely they don’t think that Interpol and law enforcement officers in Canada are trying to frame Father? No matter, whether or not in their eyes – or those of Father Dejaeger – he fled Canada, he is WANTED – for CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN.
http://www.interpol.int/public/Data/Wanted/Notices/Data/2010/58/2010_26658.asp
I would have thought that in this day and age the Oblates in Belgium of all places would be anxious to uphold and abide by the law, particularly when it comes to one of their own confreres and crimes against children?!!
I certainly believe you are correct Sylvia. In addition, further charges could be brought relating to the “flight” and the “tolling” of any applicable “statutes of limitations” is an easy argument to win….that is of course, if you find “a damn good lawyer”.
Which leads me to ponder why else would someone flea to Belgium anyway…..any thoughts?
Over the past several years I have been in touch with victims and familes in Poland, Belgium, France and elsewhere. There is a similar website to yours Sylvia; not as sophisticated, but it is there. People who are fed up “over there” are starting to group. I hope someday, all these “splinters” would meet and join in one loud voice.
I can only assume Prima Facie that Dejaeger thought he was headed to jail – again. If that’s the case he must have been certain that even if he had a “damn good” lawyer he was not going to beat the 6 counts of indecent assault and 3 of buggery which were laid against him 19 February 1995. The trial date was set 13 June 1995. On 20 June 1995 he was gone, home to his native land and, he must have assumed, far away from the long of the arm.
Why else would a Roman Catholic priest facing further serious charges of child sexual abuse flee the land?
If there are other reasons they don’t come to mind. I am open to thoughts.
In these types of situations, I prefer “flea”.
What prompted my query was, the thought…..”are there “sanctuary” type countries or similar in the world, where perhaps, a prominent person, can retreat to, without fear of reprisal, extradition….or, where they might be immune from prosecution?
Good question Prima Facie. I believe there are such countries, but I don’t think Belgium is one of them. I stand corrected on that but I think we would have heard by now if Dejaeger enjoyed immunity in Belgium.
What I am now wondering is, if, knowing that he is a wanted man, the Belgian police fail to arrest Dejaeger, are they (Belgian police) obstructing justice?
Does anyone know?
I don’t think so, Sylvia, for Belgian police has already interrogated him (I read somewhere). Let’s keep clear that Eric is a native Belgian (Responding to Facie as if how he chose Belgium to flea to) But somewhere during the 70’s, he adopted Canadian citizenship. In that time, Belgians were not allowed to have double nationality, what makes me suppose he lost Belgian citizenship. Nowadays, this is different. I myself am living in Peru and can have both nationalities w/o problem. But if Eric has Belgian citizenship, I think he is protected by law since Belgium does not extradite its own nationals to other countries. Now, I dunno how Canada would handle this with him also being Canadian. So I guess Eric is quite safe in Belgium for now…
There is a 1901 extradition treaty between Belgium and the United Kingson “for the Mutual Surrender of Fugitive Criminals.” That treaty was signed into law as applicable to Canada 17 March 1902.
As far as I can tell it is still in force. I am trying to find out more.
Good news Sylvia. He will surrender to justice on Monday 13 / 9
Tomorrow? Really?!! 🙂 That truly is good news. Please keep us posted on any further developments over the next few days. I will also find out what I can after I get back home tomorrow evening.
I can’t translate this, but, for those who can, two links which I received:
http://crisipina.blogspot.com/2010/09/belgiecanada-eric-dejaeger-in-free.html
http://crisipina.blogspot.com/2010/09/r.html
Anyone who can translate please feel free to do so 🙂
As I said in my previous comment, as soon as I get home tomorrow evening I will touch base with my contacts to find out what is happening and will then pass on the word…
This is the translation…………
Dutch to English translation
Pedophile priest report to prosecutor
Posted by our editorial on Sunday, September 12, 2010 at 5:50 p.m.
LEUVEN (RKnieuws.net) – The Flemish Oblate Father Eric D. Monday morning is going to join the Office of Leuven. The priest is wanted by Interpol because of child abuse in Canada.
Canada has the extradition of the priest asked. He was previously convicted of child abuse. There were now nine new complaints against the priest
John Mac Donald
Translation of the second article…………..
BRUSSELS (RKnieuws.net) – The Flemish Oblate Father Eric Dejaeger (63) is again a trace. Dejaeger, who has been sought by Interpol for child abuse, lived until recently in a monastery in Flemish Brabant Blanden. The Church knew that but remained silent. The public prosecutor. That awaits a formal extradition request. Meanwhile, the Father of walk away.
The West-Flemish priest has repeatedly made himself guilty of sexual abuse of children. Still, his superiors to support him and say no knowledge of other facts than those for which he had been convicted in Canada.
Father Eric pulled late ’70s to the harsh northern Canada to make Eskimos to convert to Christianity. But while he did make rope to minors. Starting in April 1990 he appeared before a Canadian court and was sentenced to five years. The Father Sat only a small portion of that sentence because he suggested that to seek treatment.
Mid 90s, there were further complaints against Dejaeger. He could choose to identify with the Royal Canadian Police or leave the country. He opted for the latter and returned to Belgium.
Later Oblates Fathers declared the inter-diocesan committee against sexual abuse in pastoral mood, the forerunner of the committee Adriaenssens, they were not aware of the reason for sudden Deja Gers return. But that was a lie. They did indeed.
Interpol in July this year a new red notice spreads, get a former member of the Inter-diocesan committee against sexual abuse in pastoral atmosphere to the police to the whereabouts of the priest to give. The file is Dejaeger by that time, the federal police. It is one of the files in the searches in connection with Operation Chalice seized.
Father Georges Vervust, provincial superior of the Oblates Flemish priest, said a few weeks ago in a press release: “I deny that Canada is Dejaeger fled and that he was guilty of recidivism.”
According Vervust were the new charges against the priest had expressed his conviction for material in 1990. “For those lawsuits, he has indeed not been reported in the Canadian justice. He does not live in hiding. The judicial authorities shall know perfectly that he lives in our monastery,” the provincial chief a few weeks ago.
Patrick Vits of Leuven prosecutor says Dejaeger effectively searched. He has now also learned that the priest in question no longer resides in the monastery in Blanden.
In the monastery they refuse to respond to the sudden departure of Dejaeger.
John Mac Donald
This case is making headlines this weekend in Europe. I am confidant an extradition will be ordered.
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I hope you’re rigth Bill. I think I smell a rat here. What ever prompted Dejaeger to ‘turn himself in’? He’s been wanted for years on end and out of the blue he decides to turn himself in? And, if I understand what happened today properly, there was no extradition order! So, because there was no extradtion order from Canada – no arrest and away he goes.
I must be missing something significant here. Minus an extradition order I can not for the life of me understand why he suddenly decided to turn himself in!
I am keeping abreast of developments here. At this time sadly there is no extradition order from Canada. I hope that is in the offing in the very very near future.
Europeans are infuriated with news that a convicted clerical molester wanted by police in Canada has been holed up in Belgium for years. It is the talk of Europe – and rightly so!
Following these developments with interest. This is not a northern Canadian issue – this is a global issue. Saddened to see name of his superior, Father Piche mentioned in association with this man. Father Piche is greatly loved and admired by Inuit, Dene and other northernerns. He is a renowned educator and spiritual leader in Arctic Canada. I am fluent in flemish and dutch and very willing to translate any articles requiring so. What a sad sad legacy of harm Erik De Jaeger is responsible for.
1yellowknife, I will take you up on your offer to translate right here and now. I am preparing a blog and making reference to this article: http://www.standaard.be/artikel/detail.aspx?artikelid=PN2VCFNG
I did use the google translation and between what I know personally and the translation can sort of figure things out, but I could be misreading something of import. There is important information in the article – it would be wonderful to have it translated with accuracy for all to read.
Thank you so much.
I have met this man in the mid eighties and again on his way out of the northwest territories. I have to say that he did not seem to fit the profile of a sexual offender that I have been trained to recognize. However in retrospect I was much younger then. As well I find it strange that my wife and her younger brother spent many years with him,and at times alone with no supervision and never has he done anything that was untoward. My wife has many fond memories of the guidance and respect that he has shown. He took her and her brother out o the land and taught her skills that help her to this day. Although in the ninties when we saw him last she asked if he had commited these crimes that he was accuused of commiting in Baker Lake, he answered “yes”. To this day my wife refuses to believe this, as she still has nothing but complete trust in him and would trust him to care for our grandchildren.
I trust my wife and her judgement. In my experience people can change, give the man a chance. Give him the opportunity to speak to these allegations. I know he will do that which is right.
THE STANDARD IS REPORTING ON FROM ANOTHER PUBLICATION, WHICH MAY AFFECT CREDIBILITY OF SOURCE
De Standaard
BRUSSEL – Pater Eric Dejaeger kan waarschijnlijk niet aan Canada worden uitgeleverd. België levert immers geen mensen uit voor feiten die hier al zijn verjaard.
PARAGRAPH #1 FATHER ERIC DEJAEGER PROBABLY CAN NOT BE EXTRADIGTED TO CANADA. BELGIUM DOES NOT HAND OVER PERSONS FOR ACCUSATIONS WHICH HAVE PASSED THE TIME FRAME IN WHICH THEY CAN BE REPORTED.
De pedofiele pater Eric Dejaeger (63) die in Canada Inuit-jongetjes misbruikte, heeft enkel de Canadese nationaliteit. Dat meldt P-magazine, en het werd ons gisteravond bevestigd door Buitenlandse Zaken en Justitie. Wellicht kan hij helemaal niet uitgeleverd worden.
PARAGRAPH #2 THE PEDOFILE PRIEST, WHO ABUSE CANADIAN INUIT BOYS ONLY HAS THE CANADIAN NATIONALITY. P-MAGAZINE REPORTS THIS (I WILL CHECK THIS PUBLICATION OUT LATER) AND THIS INFORMATION WAS CONFIRME BY THE (BELGIAN) MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Missionaris Dejaeger, die bij de paters Oblaten in Blanden verblijft, werd in 1990 in Canada veroordeeld tot vijf jaar cel wegens het misbruik van enkele Inuit-kinderen. Na zijn straf vluchtte hij terug naar ons land. Sinds 2001 wil Canada hem vervolgen voor nieuwe feiten, en sinds deze zomer wordt hij internationaal opgespoord door Interpol.
PARAGRAPH #3 MISSIONARY DEJAEGER, WHO RESIDES WITH THE OBLATES IN BLANDEN, WAS SENTENCED IN CANADA TO 5 YEARS INCARCERATION DUE TO THE ABUSE OF SEVERAL INUIT CHILDREN. SINCE 2001, CANADA WANTS TO CHARGE HIM FOR NEW CHARGES AND SINCE THE SUMMER HE IS BEING SOUGHT BY INTERPOL.
Het Belgische gerecht liet aanvankelijk weten dat die uitlevering bemoeilijkt werd door zijn dubbele Canadees-Belgische nationaliteit: ons land levert geen landgenoten uit.
PARAGRAPH #4 INITIALLY, THE BELGIAN JUSTICE OFFICIALS STATE THT THEY WERE UNBLE TO EXTRADITE HIM, SINCE HE HAD DUAL CANADIAN-BELGIAN NATIONALITY. RATIONALE: BELGIUM DOES NOT EXTRADITE THEIR OWN CITIZENS.
‘De man heeft uitsluitend de Canadese nationaliteit’, liet Buitenlandse Zaken nu weten. Dat heeft ze op 29 juli ook aan Canada laten weten.
NOW THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS HAS STATED THAT ‘THIS MAN HAS CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP EXCLUSIVELY’ (NOTE: BELGIANS ARE QUITE FORMAL AND THE TERM ‘THIS MAN’ IS NOT FORMAL AND IS VERY TELLING) ON JULY 29, THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS HAS INFORMED CANADA OF THIS FACT.
In 1977 had Dejaeger de Canadese nationaliteit aangevraagd, en daarbij verloor hij de Belgische identiteit. Door een vergetelheid werd dat niet in het Belgische rijksregister aangepast. Dejaeger zelf lichtte ook nooit de autoriteiten in.
iN 1977 DEJAEGER REQUESTE CANADIAN NATIONALITY AND THEREBY LOST HIS BELGIAN IDENTITY. DUE TO AN ERROR, THIS WAS NOT REGISTERED IN THE CITIZENSHIP REGISTERS AND DE JAEGER DID NOT CORRECT THIS.
De uitlevering van de man wordt echter al opnieuw gehinderd. Pedofilie verjaart nooit in Canada, maar de misdrijven van de pater zijn voor de Belgische wet wel al verjaard.
THE EXTRAITION OF THIS MAN IS BEING BLOCKED AGAIN. PEOFILIA CHARGES HAVE NO EXPIRY (BETTER WORD NEEDED) IN CANADA. IN BELGIUM, HOWEVER, THESE CRIMES ARE TOO DATED TO BE FILE AT THIS TIME.
En België levert geen verdachten uit voor inbreuken die in ons land verjaard zijn.
AS A PRECEDENT, BELIUM DOES NOT EXTRITE THOSE CHARGED WITH BREAK INS WHICH ARE ‘EXPIRED’
‘Het ziet ernaar uit dat de uitlevering op de verjaring zal stuklopen’, zo bleek gisteravond uit een advies van Justitie.
IT APPEARS THE THE EXTRAITION WILL BE STOPPED BY THE TIME FRAME – THE DATE FOR REGISTERING IT HAS EXPIRED.
Toen Dejaeger maandag bij de politie meldde en bekentenissen aflegde, dekte hij zich zo -al dan niet bewust- in tegen de uitlevering.
WHEN DE JAEGER REPORTED TO THE POLICE ON MONDAY, HE WAS ALREADY PROTECTING (COVERING) HIMSELF – ALTHOUGH PERHAPS NOT CONSCIOUSLY – FROM EXTRADITION
Maandag ontstond nog een nieuw element. Een pater Oblaat vertelde dat pater Eric jaren geleden een Inuit-jongen meebracht uit Canada toen hij naar België op vakantie kwam.
MONDAY, THERE WAS A NEW DEVELOPMENT. ANOTHER OBLATE REPORTE THAT FATHER ERIC BROUGHT AND INUIT BOY FROM CANADA TO JOIN HIM ON HOLIDAYS IN BELGIUM
Het Leuvense gerecht opende prompt een onderzoek om na te gaan of hij in België strafbare feiten pleegde waarvoor hij hier nog berecht kan worden.
JUSTICE OFFICIALS IN LEUVEN PROMPTLY OPENED AN INVESTIGATION TO DETERMINE IF PUNISHABLE ACTS WERE UNDERTAKEN IN BELGIUM AT THAT TIME – WHICH CAN YET BE PROSECUTED.
Ook Canada kan een onderzoek openen, bijvoorbeeld naar ontvoering, en eisen dat hij in Canada berecht wordt.
ALSO IN CANADA AN INVESTIGATION CAN BE OPENED. THIS CAN INCLUDE KIDNAPPING AND MAY RESULT IN THE DEMAND FOR EXTRAITION TO CANADA SOTHAT HE CAN BE JUDGED THERE.
In een officiële reactie lieten de paters Oblaten gisteren weten dat het gezelschap van de Inuit-jongen op dat moment geen opzien baarde.
IN AN OFFICIAL RESPONSE THE OBLATE PRIESTS LET THE PUBLIC KNOW THAT THE VISIT FROM THE INUIT BOY WAS NO REASON FOR CONCERN AT THIS TIME
‘Het was halverwege de jaren tachtig’, aldus provinciaal pater Georges Vervust gisteren aan de VRT. ‘Die jongen moet rond 14,15, 16 jaar geweest zijn. Hij mocht meekomen omdat hij zijn best had gedaan.
IT WAS IN THE MID EIGHTIES, SAID PROVICINAIL PRIEST GEORGES VERVUST TO VRT (PROBABLY A NEWS PUBLICATION). THE BOY WAS 14-16 YEARS. HE WAS REWARDED BECAUSE HE HAD TRIED HIS BEST
(REWARD FOR GOOD BEHAVIOUR).
SENT FROM HANDHELD WITHOUT SPELL CHECK FEATURE. HOPE THIS IS ADEQUATE TO GIVE YOU THE INFORAMTION YOU WERE LOOKING FOR.
Robert: Thank you for your heart-felt words. I do not know him but agree that the the new allegations have not been proven, which is important to remember.
Thank you 1Yellowknife. That is a great help 🙂
Robert, Father Dejaeger has had 15 years to speak to the allegations. He fled the country to avoid a court appearance. For 15 years those who allege sexual abuse by this man in Igloolik have been denied an opportyunity to have their allegations heard in a court. I don’t know them, but I am sure those have been extremely difficult years.
I really think we need to think beyond Father Dejaeger here. He has had ample opportunity to address these charges. He chose to run.
Robert, I hope you aren’t serious when you say that you trust this man enough to leave him alone with your grandchildren.Be sure to share this comment with the parents and of your grandchildren.
1Yellowknife, this forum is designed to express opinion. There is no burden of proof required here. There is an alleged victim and an alleged offender and if their accounts are contradictory we can;t believe them both equally and we can’t believe neither totally. We have enough to form a sensible opinion based more on reason than on the heart.
Dear Sylvia,
Thanks for all you do on this site. In 1986-1987, I was a lay-missionary in Chesterfield Inlet and Rankin Inlet for the Grey Nuns of Manitoba and worked also with the Oblates through the sisters. I met Father Eric there and was quite put off by his nervous nature. Sr. Vicki Servant (now deceased) once confided in me that Fr.Georges Lorson omi (now deceased and who was a friend of mine) had no use for Fr. Eric because he had molested children. I could see a lot of enmity between Fr. Lorson and Fr.Eric. At the time I was only 21 years of age and I had never even heard about sexual abuse and frankly was quite innocent in not understanding the implication of what I was told. Now I am sickened about this. I thank the Blessed Trinity that this infected wound in the Church is now being drained and opened up for what it is. Dear Mother of the Word Incarnate, pray for us and pray for priests to be holy!
Greetings, Larry Green. Robert added his perspective and it is valuable: he and family members knew Eric de Jaeger. He discusses the turmoil and discussions (regarding Eric’s conviction) which resulted within his family. He stated Eric admitted to his wife that the abuse had occurred. He reminds us that the second set of charges have not yet been proven in court. I appreciated his perspective. I was present (my husband was testifying against his abuser) at the Grollier Hall and other R.C. residential school abuse trials in the NWT (which led to convictions). I do not need to be condescended to by you or anyone else.
I knew F. Eric de Jaeger the last years, and when I found out about him I also asked him if it was true, if he really did it. He said: ‘Yes, I did it and I did my time for it in prison and otherwise.’ I really trusted him to be a good man, never saw him doing ‘strange’ things. But his religieus brothers clearly didn’t like him and didn’t want him in there house. For years he lived alone, until 1,5 years ago they told him to move to Blanden, where he didn’t wanted to be, and where they didn’t give him a warm welcome. I didn’t understand back then, but I do now…
Marie-Cecilia (post #54) – thank you for sharing that information. Was Father Dejaeger in Baker Lake at the time you were in Chesterfield Inlet and Rankin Inlet?
Lisa (post #55), do you know where Father Dejaeger was living before he moved to the residence in Blanden? Was his home in Blanden or in some other community?
A short CBC TV clip. I can’t download it so will give this external link: http://news.yahoo.com/video/world-15749633/21929075
Just posted on CBC: Jimmy Avalak RCMP Iqualuit states Eric DeJagaer may be extradited to Canada. Jimmy is credible.
Thnaks 1yellowknife – It’s posted: 16 September 2010: Fugitive priest may be extradited to Canada
Good news.
Imagine, on top of everything else he gave “false information about his nationality” to Belgian consular officials in Canada.
I think Father Dejaeger is in one big heap of trouble!
the nationality issue has allowed the belgian authorities to distance themselves from him. Flemish is a very proper, formal language. (Dutch or Nederlnads is less so) When he was referred to by Belgian authorities as ” die man” or ” that man” it was telling. As well, Belgian authorities are checking into any impropriety re the Inuit boy who was a summer guest. That too is interesting. There may be no problem but they are concerned (or responding to huge public pressure).
Hi Sylvia,
Yes, Fr. Eric was in Baker Lake when I was in Rankin and Chesterfield. As a result, I only actually met him twice.
1Yellowknife,You have expressed heartfelt apprecitiation for Robert’s valued perspective and chastised me for my opinion from my perspective.I find it profoundly disturbing when it is suggested that where there is doubt, a previously convicted monster should recieve the benifit.It is also very unsettling to hear Robert say that eric has never harmed anyone in my family,therefore, we dont believe he he harmed anyone even if he himself says he did.
There is nothing condescending about me or what I have said.Sometimes the truth is painfully obvious.
Thanks Marie-Cecilia (post #61).
Does anyone suppose that if the Belgian authorities don’t want to extradite Father Dejaeger (because of their statute of limitations on sex abuse crimes) but do want to get rid of him, that they may opt to deport him? Since he is no longer a Beglian citizen, and because he was apparently less than truthful to the Belgian officials in Canada, I think they could do that, could they not? It would solve a problem for them and they wouldn’t feel they were turning him over to be tried for a crime for which he could not be tried in Belgium. But, if that were the case, what would happen? He would not be in custody so, would he be free to go whereever anyone would take him?
I don’t know, Sylvia. It sounds like they may opt to deport him. I think these developments are being played out in an high-pressure international arena and several outcomes are still possible. Off the top of my head, the following may impact: 1)the RC church is no longer the power it was in Belgium and other places; 2) Jimmy Avalak, Iqaluit RCMP, made a statement – he is basing that on something concrete; 3) EU citizenship is open to interpretation and reversals of opinions (I just heard of a appeal this week which reversed an earlier decision re dual citizenship); 4) De Jaeger probably does not have the funds to fight extradition; the Oblates may not have either (but it could be Pro Bono, I guess). Just a few which come to mind. A good source of accurate Nunavut info is Nunatsiaq news (sp) and I usually read it. May learn more there.
Correction: EU opinions: read decisions
Follow-up: Nothing seen from quick scan Nunatsiaq news.
Does anyone know if there is a gag order on the Borne trial?
Cheryl Helena Thomson, would you consider sharing the article you wrote in the Saturday, Sept.18 edition of The Telegram in St.Jonn’s with Sylvia’s readers?
I just found out yesterday that at least one of the victims in the Borne case wasn’t allowed to go to trial because the judge felt that the victim in the period of time he was sexually exploited was old enough to make his own decisions.
It seems to me the judge dosn’t count prep time (ie. early alter boy years)as a part of the overall plan.
On a seperate note: Some pedophiles are incredibly sly and rich.
Larry Green (#67): Borne is yet to go to trial, however I think it is virtually guaranteed that when the time comes there will be a ban on publication until the verdict is rendered.
#69: Those accused of sexual abuse have a hay day with the dates and the age of consent. Unfortunately and sadly judges often let them get away with it – I personally find that many judges – and Crowns too for that matter – seem to be ignorant of the grooming process and/or the emotional, psychological and spiritual impact of abuse on a young boy who has been raised Catholic and has been cunningly groomed, then seduced and finally molested by a respected and revered Roman Catholic priest. I believe there is a crying need for education of the judiciary in this area.
Newfoundland Dog (#68)- you’re not the only one who has asked 🙂 I have had several people ask me to post Cheryl Helena’s letter.
So, …I have posted the letter which Cheryl Helen sent to the Telegram. I THINK it was run verbatim but am not postive. I am waiting for confirmation – meanwhile, here is the Cheryl Helena Delacroix Thomson letter to the Editor re Most Reverend Martin W. Currie
Excellent letter. Excellent!
1yellowknife (#65) You raise a good point – true enough, if the order for extradition comes through and Dejaeger wants to fight it he will probably need the funds to do so. I hadn’t thought of that. Unless of course Belgium has the equivalent of legal aid and he qualifies to receive it?
Sylvia,(#70)You so beutifully expresed my sentiments so precisley. I want to memorize it word for word. Thank You.
Sylvia, (#70)
I also want to add to Larry Green’s (post#73) and say Sylvia you express my sentiments in an eloquent way better than I would have had.
I will add one more thought…
An expert witness should be called to testify at trials involving clerical sexual abuse of young boys. Presumably there is no need to do so, but I must say that most of what I have seen, heard and read tells me that there is.