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.”
Who would you suggest the “expert witness” be in cases involving clerical sexual abuse of young boys?
I’m curious Sylvia as to who you would suggest.
THANKS!
PS….take note of the address change (don’t have Outlook on the new computer)
The house you have posted is not the right one !!
The house is white and hidden by trees.
Sorry I just check you’re right, that’s the house…
Thanks Pascal. That’s a relief 🙂
Reality Checker (#76)- you’ve got me! I am scratching my head and can not come up with one single name. Can anyone help? Does anyone know of an “expert” witness on same-sex child sex abuse who is well versed on the moral teachings of the Catholic Church and understands the role of the priest as seen through the eyes of a young boy? There must be someone.
Sylvia(#75)and Reality Checker(#76)
Are you suggesting Sylvia, that because of the spiritual correlation between victim and molester. I.E. in addition to emotional and physical bonding that pedohiles contrive and foster with their victims, there is the element of spiritual
power and authority ( Fr., God ) which provides the beast with the means to “groom” an innocent human being more incididiously than other cases not involving clergy.
I think though, that judges should rely on expert testimony in all cases before they render decisions based on there knowledge of ( lack of ) childhood psycology. To many of them think that there expertise as a judge makes them and expert in all things.
I just read my comment above. I apologize. It is pretty much incoherent. I began with a question that was never asked.Were you suggesting Sylvia, that in cases of clerical sexual abuse only there should be expert witnesses, or in sexual abuse involving chidren in general ?
No Larry (#82), I don’t mean in cases of clerical sexual abuse only. I definitely believe, as I said, that there should be experts witnesses in clerical sexual abuse cases, but that does not by any means mean I would negate calling them in other non clerical child sex abuse cases.
My opinion – you need a “damned good pediatrician“ or “child psychologist“ as the expert witness.
Is there a pedatrician or child psychologist in Canada with the expertise on childhood sexual abuse involving clergy
I`m just asking!
Even a child psycologist without the expertise specific to childhood sexual abuse involving clergy, may not be ideal but I think the pursuit of justice would be better served than the way it presently stands,no expert in psycology at all. Especially given that damages inflicted due to the nature of this crime are primarily and pervasively lifelong psycological ones.
I recognize the fact that ours or any justice system is not perfect because it is produced by human beings but I do agree with you Reality Checker and Sylvia that we ought look long hard for the best possible expert we can find because the fact that we are not perfect is no excuse not to act as though we want to be.
The Grollier Hall trials had an expert who – I believe – came from Montreal. All I remember is: he was very good and highly regarded by the survivors and others involved in the process. I am confident this information is shared panterritorially.
Hello 1yellowknife. Who decides whether or not an expert witness will be called in the pre trial stages, the judge or the prosecutor ?
Vlamingen laten zich ontdopen by bisdommen…. Title of newsarticle in recent publication of dutch immigrant newspaper published in Canada Translation: Flemish request baptism reversal from diocese
Summary of content: A rapidly growing number of Flemish Catholics are requesting baptism reversal. The request to have their baptism annulled often results from (public) reports of sexual abuse by priests. Most requests has been received by the Diocese of Antwerpen: April, 2010 – June 2010, more than 400 requests for baptism reversal were received. This process is a substantial administrative procedure. Clerical jurists state that baptism can not be reversed and that this action is purely symbolic. The sacrament of baptism can not be eradicated. (Note: translation of the key paragraphs of this article, only. I found this information new and a concrete indicator of the turmoil caused in Belgium by the revelations of clerical abuse of children. Maybe others are already aware and maybe a google search would provide additional info. Lieve: Wist jij hiervan – ik neem aan van wel. Wel boeiend!!
The turmoil that these molesters and there enablers have caused throughout the world is mind boggling.I wonder if the molesters even care or is thier sole purpose in life to satisfy their animal cravings?
Reactions in Belgium to (all, not only Eric DeJaeger) cleric sexual abuse continues: Reported in De Morgen, Flemish Newspaper and summarized on IKON, Dutch TV
‘De paus moet opstappen’
The pope must leave
Het zou het beste zijn als paus Benedictus XVI zelf zijn ambt neerlegt. Dat zegt Peter Adriaenssens in een interview dat morgen in de Belgische krant De Morgen verschijnt. Adriaenssens leidde tot juni dit jaar het onderzoek naar misbruik in de Belgische Rooms-Katholieke Kerk.
It would be best if Pope Benedict XVI would resign from his post This statement was made in an interview with De Morgen by Adrieassens, who until recently led the investigation into cleric sexual abuse within the Belgian Catholic church.
Volgens Adriaenssens heeft de Kerk al een begin gemaakt met de aanpak van misbruik door er over te praten. Maar dat is volgens hem nog lang niet genoeg.
According to Addriaessens, the Church already initiated a response to this abuse, by breaking the silence and talking about it. However, that is not nearly enough.
Hij maakt een vergelijking met Stefaan De Clerck en Johan Vande Lanotte. Deze twee Belgische politici stapten op na de ontsnapping van zedenmisdadiger Marc Dutroux. Hetzelfde geldt voor de Kerk: “Iemand moet zijn verantwoordelijkheid nemen”.
He makes a comparison to 2 Belgian politicians who resigned after the escape of a Belgian incarcerated for sex crimes. The same principal applies for the Church. ”Someone has to take responsibility.”
Ook anderen hebben het standpunt ingenomen dat Benedictus XVI moet aftreden vanwege de vele meldingen van seksueel misbruik door priesters. De kans daarop is erg klein. In de afgelopen tweeduizend jaar is slechts één paus vrijwillig afgetreden
Others are joining in the call for resignation, which are triggered by clerical sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. However, chances of this occurring are remote.
: paus Celestinus V in de dertiende eeuw. Zes maanden na zijn aantreden deed hij al afstand van het ambt, omdat hij niet was opgewassen tegen de financiële en politieke complexiteiten van de functie Nog vier andere pausen bleven in de afgelopen eeuwen niet tot hun dood het hoofd van de Kerk; zij werden gedwongen af te treden.
Thanks for that 1yellowknife. People are obviously angry, and rightly so.
Having the English text in italics did not quite work out. Sorry about that. A bit messy.
Another news story – which I did not translate or summarize – is from the Netherlands where Franciscan order is settling monetarily with a group of survivors.
The self examination process in the Netherlands appears quite open and very widespread. I understand it is being led by a protestant, which I find courageous and transparent. Just to give you an indication of the soul searching going on – I was contacted by a wonderful Zuster (Sister) from my childhood boarding school. She needed to know if she had ever done anything to apologize to us for, because she still would. Had she spoken or judged us harshly, etc. Anything at all. My sisters and I have only great memories of her and of our boarding school experience, so I was able to reassure her and we had an exchange of photos. I was also able to tell her that my choice of career was influenced by her.
Having also lived in Belgium, I find their collective response remarkable.
Back to Canada: we have such linguistic and cultural diversity, encouraging responses from affected communities and regions is a challenge. And should be encouraged. My guesstimate is that Quebec remains largely unheard from, yet.
Het Belang van Limburg (Flemish Belgian daily newspaper)
24/09
• Eric Dejaeger is a naturalized Canadian citizen. Also in our country (Belgium) he abused a young Eskimo boy –who was a minor or underage. The crimes committed are likely too old to prosecute in Belgium. Belgian Justice, which has opened an investigation, has refused comment. No new police interviews with Eric Dejaeger have taken place. Father Dejaeger must remain available to the Department of Justice. He may not leave the country (Belgium) at this time.
• The testimony of the Eskimo boy can be decisive in this regard. He was 10 years of age when his parents entrusted him into the care of Father Eric Dejaeger in order to help him with his tasks at the (Baker Lake, Nunavut) Roman Catholic mission. The victim recently explained: ‘’ From the age of 10-12 years until I was 17 years of age, I was abused. I had to take a shower with the priest. We slept together, masturbated and had anal sex. These sexual activities took place at the mission post and in other places (in Baker Lake, Nunavut Canada). The sexual activities also took place in several European countries. When Father Dejaeger travelled to Europe, I was allowed to go along as a reward for the good work I was delivering.”
• One of the colleagues of Eric DeJaeger at the (Oblate) monastery in Blanden Belgium recently stated in an interview that the Eskimo boy was ‘a little customer’ of Dejaeger. Thereby confirming that it was known – at the monastery – that Dejaeger slept with the child. (Note: ‘little customer’ implies this was a paid arrangement the child agreed to.)
• DeJaeger received a 5 year sentence for the sexual abuse of 8 victims. He was released after 18 months (of incarceration in Canada) and fled to Belgium. At this time, there are 9 new charges for sexually abusing Nunavut children against Dejaeger. If he will be extradited (to Canada) is not clear. The Belgian Ministry of Justice will have to determine if Dejaeger can be held accountable in Belgium, as well.
can the judgement information by the supreme court be used as evidence as indicated in your post yellowkniofwe ? Second I have emailed federal minister and their critics to get on this extradition, please add whatever pressure you can and encourage them to act.
Dosanjh.U@parl.gc.ca;
Leslie.M@parl.gc.ca;
malol@parl.gc.ca;
Nichor@parl.gc.ca;
cotlei@parl.gc.ca;
Marston.W@parl.gc.ca;
dorioj@parl.gc.ca;
Duncan.J@parl.gc.ca;
Crowder.J@parl.gc.ca;
lemaym1@parl.gc.ca;
Aglukkaq.L@parl.gc.ca;
Dosanjh.U@parl.gc.ca;Leslie.M@parl.gc.ca;malol@parl.gc.ca;Nichor@parl.gc.ca;cotlei@parl.gc.ca;Marston.W@parl.gc.ca;dorioj@parl.gc.ca;Duncan.J@parl.gc.ca;Crowder.J@parl.gc.ca;lemaym1@parl.gc.ca;Aglukkaq.L@parl.gc.ca;
I have had some read receipts and tommorrow i will be thanking them all for their responses.
Dear honourable Ms. Aglukkaq,
My name is Michel Bertrand RSW, In 1989 I was a social worker in Baker lake NWT now Nunavut. I was one of the key persons involved in having RC priest E. Dejeager brought to court for his crimes against children. I was appalled to hear he served just a few months, was given access to a halfway house service despite pending charges for the same types of abuse in Igloolik and then was allowed to escape justice. I am now upset that he has been harbored by the church in Belgium for all those years while the rate of suicide in Igloolik has risen over that same period years. I suspect the abuse is directly related and responsible to this matter not having been dealt with as per our laws.
http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/pi/rs/rep-rap/2003/rr03_vic3/rr03_vic3.pdf
Baker Lake had some terrible years of growth through the Mianiqsijit Project since 1990 after this tragedy and I feel Igloolik even though they have made great strides to address their higher rate of suicide are still suffering in silence.
I am asking that you use your considerable influence to help expedite the extradition process and have him repatriated to Canada. I am attaching what occurred in Baker Lake in for you to understand that this man has hurt our Canadian children and has caused continued hurt in northern communities by not being held accountable. Please bring this up in the house of commons. I will also be in contact with Barry Mcllaren to ask that he also lend his voice to assist the community and the forgotten children and members of Igloolik to overcome this awful piece of history.
Should you need further information I am respectfully a your service
Good for you Michel. That’s what needs to be done. Please pass on any response you receive.
As you see, I have put the email addresses as a list – for some reason they were running off the screen.
Could you give us the name and position of the indiviual associated with each email address Michel? We can have them listed here on this thread plus I will profile them so that people who want to see Dejaeger extradited and returned to face his accusers can make their feelings to known to those in a postion to make it happen.
Dosanjh.U@parl.gc.ca; = health canada critic Liberal
Leslie.M@parl.gc.ca; = health canada critic NDP
malol@parl.gc.ca; = health canada critic Bloc Nichor@parl.gc.ca; = Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
cotlei@parl.gc.ca; = critic justice LIBERAL
Marston.W@parl.gc.ca; = critic justice NDP
dorioj@parl.gc.ca; = critic justice BLOC
Duncan.J@parl.gc.ca;= Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
Crowder.J@parl.gc.ca; = Critic Northern Affairs NDP
lemaym1@parl.gc.ca; = Critic Northern Affairs Bloc Aglukkaq.L@parl.gc.ca; =Minister of Health
Here is a list of the full government and their roles
http://www2.parl.gc.ca/parlinfo/compilations/houseofcommons/ministrymembers.aspx
Michel: Excellent!! I spoke with northern media yesterday and encouraged them to contact Lieve Halsberghe, Belgium. There is a perception (on the part of northern media) that the extradition is happening. This is premature. So I emphasized that more coverage would be beneficial. I found them well informed, for sure.
Lieve alerted me that I might get a call from a Tonny Verhaeghe journalist in Belgium as they want to get a piece up there. The federal foreigh affairs people may also be good place to advocate extradition and to suggest that we do mot appreciate members of our society absconding from our country when charges have been laid. It gives the impression that if we break a law all we have to do is find a country that will harbour us and go hide there. Bring him back, afford him his rights and have him account for what he has done !
Michel
Cannon.L@parl.gc.ca = foreign affairs
Dewar.P@parl.gc.ca = critic foreign affairs NDP
Lalonde.F@parl.gc.ca = critic foreign affairs Bloc
Rae.B@parl.gc.ca = critic foreign affairs Liberals
I have added the contact list to the Eric Dejaeger page: http://www.theinquiry.ca/wordpress/charged/dejaeger-2/extradite-dejaeger/
The following is a translation of an article which was published today in a Dutch-language blog Crispina:
great to see ! Good work Lieve
Does anyone know what degeager did from 1973 to 1977.. where did he live, what was he doing and how did he earn a living, did he have access to kids.. curious why he left belgium as wellm what was he doing prior to his calling to abuse children. A note on this article seems to say he was accused of abuse prior to northern placement http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2010/10/from_nunavut_to_lourdes.php.. I have sent the author an email to find out if any additional info is available
Dejaeger was in seminary somewhere in Canada from 1973 to 1977. Given that he was ordained as an Oblate priest I think it is highly possible if not probable that he was in seminary at Saint Paul in Ottawa. To my knowledge all Oblate seminarians in Canada received their formation at Saint Paul’s.
In Belgium there is currently a (state funded) theatre production travelling to schools to perform. As well they are giving sold out public performances. Titled ‘Back to School’ the play deals with the harm of extreme religious views and has a Inuit survivor of Eric DeJaeger asking questions. Eric and his abuse of Inuit children is specifically addressed and his ‘story’ is approximately one-third of the show. (2 other scenes featured as well) Eric represents oppressive religious extremism from a Roman Catholic milieu The production company is http://www.unionsuspecte.be. The play is certainly promoting dialogue. I am grateful for the collective conscience of the Belgian public and productions such as this. This performance and its popularity is an indicator of Belgian public engagement in the Eric DeJaeger extradition story. According to their website, funding is provided by Belgian federal provincial and some local governments. Wow!!
Thats great hopefully our government will see the need to bring this man to justice.
Thanks for that 1yellowknife.
Isn’t that amazing? Here we are trying to sort out if our SILENT authorities are ever going to get around to issuing the requisite extradition order to see that this fugitive Canadian Oblate is brought to justice, and there they are in Belgium – with government funds!- using this scandalous and sorry Dejaeger cover-up to educate the children
The latest news on Dejaeger: 25 November 2010: Fugitive priest still free in Belgium
They’re sure dragging their heels on both sides of the Atlantic on getting this Oblate fugitive brought to justice, aren’t they?
Is there a statute of limitations in Belgium on scoffing at at the courts in Canada? True they have a statute of limitations on sex abuse, but this CANADIAN CITIZEN, a convicted child molester, thumbed his nose at the courts in Canada and fled. Is that the kind of man they want to harbour in Belgium?
Everyone is talking. Why can our Canadian government not just issue the request for extradtion?
And where are Church and Oblate officials in all of this? Why doesn’t some Oblate superior somewhere order Dejaeger back to Canada? What happened to the vow of Obedience?
This has gone beyond ridiculous!
This is out today
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/north/story/2010/11/24/cda-dejaeger-belgium.html
http://news.ca.msn.com/canada/cbc-article.aspx?cp-documentid=26495461
The church is much to busy trying to create smoke by pointing fingers and blaming the “terrible anti catholic” media for all of her transgressions. Our church leaders have undertaken the insidious task of redirecting the focus of the faithfull at the expense of the rest of the worlds dignity and at the expense of worl peace.
Nunantiaq News has excellent article!! Good work, Jim Bell
NEWS: Nunavut January 05, 2011 – 11:10 am
Belgian police arrest Father Eric Dejaeger
Disgraced Oblate still faces sex charges involving Igloolik children
NUNATSIAQ NEWS
The disgraced Oblate missionary, Father Eric Dejaeger (centre), celebrating mass in 2009 with two other priests in Blanden, Belgium. Dejaeger is now held at a holding facility in the city of Bruges, pending a decision by Belgian authorities to expel him from the country. Dejaeger still faces sex charges related to the molestation of children in Igloolik. (FILE PHOTO)
Police in Belgium arrested Father Eric Dejaeger Jan. 3 and will hold him at a facility in the city of Bruges pending an immigration hearing, Joris van der Aa, a Belgian crime journalist, reported in his blog Jan. 5.
Dejaeger, 63, who worked as an Oblate missionary in Igloolik and Baker Lake between the late 1970s and the early 1990s, still faces six sex charges related to the sexual molestation of Inuit children in incidents alleged to have occurred in Igloolik in the early 1980s.
The Igloolik allegations were investigated by RCMP Cpl. Tom Power in 1993 and 1994, but Dejaeger never appeared in court to face the charges.
After serving out a five-year prison sentence on convictions related to sex charges involving children in Baker Lake, Dejaeger fled Canada for Belgium in 1995.
More recently, the Belgian government discovered that Dejaeger lost his Belgian citizenship when he became a Canadian citizen some time after 1977. This past Sept. 15, the Belgian government issued a statement saying the disgraced priest is no longer a Belgian citizen.
Katrien Jansseune, a spokesperson for the Belgian immigration department, is quoted in van der Aa’s blog as saying that Belgium wants to ship Dejaeger back to Canada.
“Dejaeger is locked up in Bruges with a view to his repatriation to Canada,” she is quoted as saying.
Technically, Dejaeger’s recent arrest is unrelated to his outstanding arrest warrants. Jansseune said Dejaeger’s Canadian passport expired in 1997 and that Belgian authorities now wish to expel him from the country.
I can not think of a better way to kick off the new year 🙂
I have posted the Nunatsiaq Online article 05 January 2011: Belgian police arrest Father Eric Dejaeger
Jim Bell, Nunatsiaq News: WELL DONE!!
It is clear, once again, that the various government levels in Belgium demonstrated more concern for the victims of Eric Dejaeger than has our own government – specifically – the Government of Canada Department of Justice. What more do they need!! How can these civil servants be that unfamiliar with an extradition order. How long will this pathetic excuse be acceptable. I think the failure to respond with an extradition order demonstrates a class-based lack of caring. If these were kids at Upper Canada College, a task force would have been struck. Daily briefings would be held. Only in rare instances through sites like Sylvia’s has there been a break in our northern isolation and blatent disregard of the systemic abuse of northern children.
CBC North has Eric Dejaeger arrest as lead story.
I lived in Igloolik for a few months as a 13 yr old white girl in 1979 and I remember this guy. Overly friendly, too much eye contact, overly smiling. It rips my heart out to learn what he was up too. No wonder whites have been resented up there for so long. Look what’s been done – I am so sorry to each of you that he manipulated, tricked and devastated.
Hi Sylvia and all. Today has been a busy day again, with the announcement of the arrest of father Erik. Nothing is sure until he is sitting on an airplane to Canada. We will keep you posted.
This arrest was possible because of the tenacious research of journalist Saskia Van Nieuwenhoven, who found out this summer, by calling Vancouver, that father Erik had been lying about his nationality for years and that his Belgian documents were invalid.
To HJ:I would like to talk to you if possible.
Lieve
My e-mail is snapbelgium@gmail.com
When is the deportation hearing… Does anyone know
Pedophile priest arrested
Jeanne Gagnon
Northern News Services
Published Monday, January 10, 2011
IGLULIK – A priest charged with sex crimes in Iglulik was arrested in Belgium because he is living as an illegal immigrant there, a Belgian official confirmed.
Eric Dejaeger has been held in the city of Bruges in a centre for illegal aliens since Jan. 3, said an official who did not want to be identified.
“He is not held for any criminal act committed on Belgian territory. He did not respect Belgian legislation on residence for non-Belgians,” he stated via e-mail.
Dejaeger, a Catholic priest facing six 30-year-old sex charges stemming from his time in Iglulik in the late 1970s and early 1980s, turned himself in to Belgian police last fall before being released.
The 63-year-old is facing three counts each of buggery and indecent assault for incidents alleged to have occurred between Sept. 26, 1978 and Aug. 9, 1982 at or near the hamlet of Iglulik, according to his arrest warrant issued April 22, 2002.
Dejaeger was convicted on eight counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault in Baker Lake on April 6, 1990 and was sentenced to five years in prison, according to information provided by the Northwest Territories Courts.
The Belgian official stated Dejaeger, a Canadian citizen, overstayed his allowable stay of three months without a visa in Belgium. The next step is his return to Canada but he could not comment further.
In Iglulik, where the alleged offences took place, deputy mayor Paul Quassa, who used to know Dejaeger when he lived in the community, said it’s “high time” they bring him back to Canada
“He has to be brought back, that’s for sure, because here in our community, there are some ripple effects,” he said.
He added he hopes the Belgian government acts quickly on the file.
Thanks 1yellwoknife. I have just posted the article: http://www.theinquiry.ca/wordpress/charged/dejaeger-2/canada-child-sex-priest-eric-dejaeger-held-in-belgium/
In response to your previous question, I don’t know when his deportation hearing is but have confirmed with Lieve Haslberghe this morning that Dejaeger remains in the detention centre in Bruges.
Well I guess he won’t be singing Alberta Bound….Alberta bound It’s good to be Alberta Bound..but given the media coverage so far indicating a transfer to Canada and our government will no doubt be made aware of his ETA on Canadian soil it is most likely going to end with a Canadian arrest on Canadian soil….the only other out I see is he could chose to go to another point of entry and be hidden by the Oblate order . I don’t think this will happen given the profile here and in Europe it just would not go unnoticed.
Mike, since I do not know this song, please sing….
Eric DeJaeger is being deported to Canada. RCMP spokesperson confirmed transfer will occur. Eric is Iqaluit bound. Article clipped and forwarded earlier.
I didn’t get your artilce 1yellowknife, but i have had lots of links sent me way with the good news. Two articles are now posted. I will keep an eye and ear for the latest. Keep sending links my way – it’s easy to miss an article so they are greatly appreciated.
http://www.theinquiry.ca/wordpress/charged/dejaeger-2/priest-returning-to-nunavut-to-face-sex-charges/
http://www.theinquiry.ca/wordpress/charged/dejaeger-2/priest-returning-from-belgium-to-face-sex-charges-against-inuit-children/
A step forward again…!!!!! Wonderful
He is in the air – will land in Montreal somewhere around 1 or 2 pm this afternoon.
According to an article in today’s DeMorgen, and as could be expected, he is under police escort. Here is a link to the google translation of the article: http://translate.google.ca/translate?hl=en&sl=nl&u=http://www.demorgen.be/dm/nl/989/Binnenland/article/detail/1210299/2011/01/19/Pedofiele-priester-Eric-Dejaeger-het-land-uit-gezet.dhtml&ei=3f02TcT1NZDqgQfH6ZzeAw&sa=X&oi=translate&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CCMQ7gEwATha&prev=/search%3Fq%3D%2522eric%2Bdejaeger%2522%26start%3D90%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-ca:IE-SearchBox%26rlz%3D1I7ADRA_en%26prmd%3Divnsuo
Will this be Dejaeger’s accommodations in Iqaluit, Nunavut? http://endprohibition.ca/group/endprohibition/overcrowded-nunavut-jail-reaches-boiling-point
I am trying to find out. If he is detained for any length of time then that will definitely be his home away from home.
Does anyone know if the RCMP detachment in Iqaluit has holding cells? If yes he may be kept there until his first court appearance, which will probably come on the heels of his arrival in Iqaluit.
Another question: Can Dejaeger apply for and might he actually be eligible for bail?
This looks like it may be a picture of Dejaeger en route to the airport in Belgium: http://www.7sur7.be/7s7/fr/1502/Belgique/article/detail/1210346/2011/01/19/Le-pretre-pedophile-Eric-Dejaeger-expulse-de-Belgique.dhtml
The eagle has landed!
19 January 2011: Fugitive priest arrives in Canada
He heads on to Iqaluit tomorrow.
Dejaeger is in Iqaluit. According to CBC he landed at 1 pm ET and was taken by police truck directly to the courthouse.
Here’s a link to a video clip which shows Dejaeger arriving in Iqaluit etc. http://www.cbc.ca/video/player.html?category=News&zone=canada&site=cbc.news.ca&clipid=1754758143
I found this piece a little inaccurate as the reporter claims the charges stem from 2002 but boy it sure is a nice feeling to know that this criminal is facing his music. I really hope he pleads guilty and he is made to account for his leaving these charges unheard. I hope he does not get bail while he waits for his court date…It did not seem to be a problem for him to make the people of Igloolik suffer these many years before being forced to account for his actions. I sure hope the oblates are persued by each individual victim in civil court and not only those from Igloolik but also survivors from Baker Lake as those people did not receive personal restitution for the awful harm done. Another step in the right direction.
Yes, it seemed the reporter was unaware of the prior charge and conviction. But the clip is a good chance to actually see Dejaeger.
Why no shoes? Does anyone know? Someone I just talked to suggested swollen feet from the flight. That’s highly possible, isn’t it? It made the world of sense to me.
There’s good film footage on this video clip: 21 January 2011: Dejaeger Back in Nunavut
No shoes, no belt may be due to suicide watch, that he did not want to leave his cell points to a person really not wanting to face the music
Any word on outcome of Dejeagers bail hearing
He’s not in court till 1:30 pm Michel. It’s just after noon now.
I posted a little info on his accommodations:
Additional charges
http://www.nunatsiaqonline.ca/stories/article/012411_dajaeger_appears_in_nunavut_court_faces_new_charges/
Wow! That is good news: he is being charged with failure to appear in 1995, and rightly so. (I now have the article posted on site Michel – thank you)
And more charges from Igloolik.
And “The Crown expects charges to arise in a number of Canadian jurisdictions.”
“A number of” ! That sounds like a LOT
How many tortured souls did he leave in his wake when he high-tailed it out of Canada?
I have nothing but the greatest praise for those who have come forward. I say it often, and it may sound trite, but I mean it: my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Put on those shoes, Eric. You’re staying for a while…
Latest article looks like he is remanded to friday with another additional charge.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/north/story/2011/02/09/dejaeger-nunavut-charge.html
Thansk Michel. I have been waiting and watching for nes on this one too. We all ahve. I will get it posted shortly.
And, another charge. That is good news. I hope those with allegations muster the courage to go to the RCMP, and I hope they all reaize that even if they settled in a lawsuit they can still press charges. Nothing can prevent people from pursuing criminal charges.
….and now you can confess online and it keeps track of your sins, I guess priest are all busy and involved in covering their own sins, more like crimes really and our courts keep track of those sins. The very last place I would go to feel forgiven in the eyes of God is in a catholic confessional, on-line or otherwise. I feel more comfortable addressing my humanity with a recovering skid row drunk. Unforgivable what these people do to children, whole communities and in the case of Dejaeger our country. These people prey rather than pray for or on the least and most vulnerable and they have no right to be addressed as father. Common criminals.
It looks like another charge was laid
in addition to the 3 new charges once he arrived. New article by jeanne gagnon at nutnasiaq news.
I wonder how many will come forwarded who have been impacted by this man’s criminal selfishness.
http://www.nnsl.com/northern-news-services/stories/papers/feb14_11sx.html
I was just studying that article Michel trying to sort out if it was in fact a new charge or not. I THINK it`s the one we already know about from the 9th ? I THINK the paper publishes weekly and therefore this is a recap of last week`s news ?
Do you know if that`s the case Michel? I may be wrong.
Meanwhile, thanks Michel, and the article is now posted: 14 February 2011: Priest faces yet another sex charge
I added a number of articles from the late 80s and early 90s to the site. I have decided it is now high time I put all of the information which has been posted over the past months in better order. Am tackling that now 🙂
Has anyone heard anything re Dejaeger’s day in court today? I’ve been checking. So far, no word.
Yesterday’s hearing was adjourned to 02 May 2011. I made note elesewhere but will add it here to ensure everyone catches it.
And more charges – including bestiaility!
The psychiatric status would be a touch more revealing than in 1989. I am sure they won’t conclude that he is just a lonely man. More people hurt by his passing, prayers for the affected.
Yes, you are so right Michel: Prayers for the affected. God love them all. And hats off to every single one who has found the courage to come forward. I hope and pray that they get the help and support they need from others in Igloolik: it’s certainly not coming from the Oblates or the Diocese, is it? These poor souls have been abandoned by the shepherd. Abandoned in their time of need. One scandal heaped atop another. A disgrace.
wath happend on Canada about this person?