Ex-priest facing sex assault charge gets bail

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CBC News

Last Updated: Wednesday, August 11, 2010 | 7:13 PM ET

Kenneth O'Keefe leaves an Ottawa courthouse on Wednesday after being granted bail. The retired priest is facing a charge of indecent assault in relation to a complaint dating back to 1972.Kenneth O’Keefe leaves an Ottawa courthouse on Wednesday after being granted bail. The retired priest is facing a charge of indecent assault in relation to a complaint dating back to 1972. (CBC)A retired priest from Toronto charged in connection with a sexual-assault complaint dating back 38 years has been released on a $1,000 bond after making an appearance in an Ottawa courtroom Wednesday.

Kenneth O’Keefe, 79, was arrested and charged with one count of indecent assault following an investigation last month after a man came forward and complained about inappropriate contact between a Roman Catholic priest and a teenage male in 1972.

O’Keefe taught at St. Pius X High School in Ottawa in the 1970s.

An Ontario Court judge in Ottawa released O’Keefe on condition that he stay in Toronto with a member of his religious community until his next court appearance, scheduled for Sept. 1.

The court also ordered O’Keefe to not have any contact with children under the age of 14.

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Bail Grant for a Former Ottawa Priest Charged with Indecent Assault

Gord McDougall
Wednesday, August 11, 2010

A former Roman Catholic priest facing a charge of indecent assault going back to the 1970s has been granted bail.

Father J. Kenneth O’Keefe taught at St. Pius X High School and is charged with inappropriate conduct with a male student in 1972.

A publication ban has been imposed on the case, but CFRA News is able to report that O’Keefe will continue to reside in Toronto while he awaits his court appearances.

Ottawa Archbishop Terrence Prendergast has issued a statement, saying his office has been cooperating with the Ottawa Police on this investigation, which has been underway since last month.

Prendergast points out this is the second priest from Pius to be charged in recent weeks and he’s offering his pastoral concern and personal support to all involved.

O’Keefe will be back in Ottawa court on September 1st.

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