Retired priest makes court appearance on Guelph sex charges

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Guelph Mercury

26 August 2011

 
Former Catholic priest James Boudreau gets into his lawyer's car outside Guelph's provincial courthouse Friday. Boudreau is charged with sexual assault dating back to the 1980s.

Boudreau leaves courtFormer Catholic priest James Boudreau gets into his lawyer’s car outside Guelph’s provincial courthouse Friday. Boudreau is charged with sexual assault dating back to the 1980s.

Scott Tracey/Guelph Mercury

 
 

GUELPH — A former Catholic priest charged with sexually assaulting two young men in the 1980s made a brief appearance in Guelph court Friday.

James Boudreau, 68, was in court with his lawyer, Roger Yachetti, who had a pretrial conference with a Crown prosecutor and Justice Gary Hearn. The case was adjourned until Nov. 30 for a continuation of the pretrial.

Boudreau, dressed in khaki pants and a blue golf shirt, made no comments during the court appearance. He left the courthouse in Yachetti’s car.

Boudreau served as pastor at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, on Victoria Road North, from 1978 through 1985. He then worked at six other Ontario churches before retiring more than a year ago.

He was arrested by Guelph Police in January and charged with sexually assaulting a former parish member in 1984.

After news of the charge was publicized, a second alleged victim came forward alleging he, too, was assaulted in 1983.

Boudreau, who now resides in Hamilton, was quickly released on bail on both charges.

editor@guelphmercury.com

3 Responses to Retired priest makes court appearance on Guelph sex charges

  1. J.B. says:

    There are at least 3 victims by this priest, James Boudreau.

  2. Sylvia says:

    I hope and pray J.B. that all those who allege abuse by James Boudreau can summon the courage to go to police. Yes, it’s difficult for them, but I think most if not all victims of clercial sexual abuse who have come forward would say they have had the same struggles, and I believe they would also say that it was a tremendous relief to finally speak out. It’s a rocky road forward, and it doesn’t magically bring an end to the pain and turmoil, but, it’s a big big step in the right direction.

  3. cathy reynolds says:

    Fr Jim is wonderful at making judgments on other priests. guess they didn”t abuse children and didn’t MAKE HIS GRADE. Be a real … good…. man and put these men out of the pain you caused them. Don’t you think you have done enough damage ? Be the man you promised God you would be the day you became a trusted priest.

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