Montreal Catholic priest facing sex crimes against minors

Brian Boucher, a Roman Catholic priest who has worked at 10 churches in Montreal over the last two decades, has been arrested and charged with sex-related offences.

The 56-year-old appeared in court Thursday and was charged with:

• Sexual assault.
• Sexual interference.
• Invitation to sexual touching.
• Breaking and entering.

He was released with several conditions, including having no contact with minors.

Police confirmed to CBC that all of the people who filed complaints with police were minors at the time of alleged incidents.

Boucher was a priest at several parishes on the island of Montreal from 1985 to 2015. The churches were situated in Senneville, LaSalle, Dorval, the Town of Mount Royal and downtown Montreal. Documents online show he was a parish priest at Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish in TMR.

The alleged incidents took place between 1994 and 2011.

Police say they have reason to believe there are more alleged victims, and they are asking them to come forward by calling 911.

Previous arrest

Acting on a complaint police received in August 2015, Boucher was arrested for a first time on Jan. 12.

He was released, with conditions, on a promise to appear in court. However, Montreal police arrested him again on March 1, after receiving two more complaints.

Police say investigators have been working with the full collaboration of the Archdiocese of Montreal.

In a statement released late Thursday afternoon, the archdiocese urged anyone with information about Boucher to contact police immediately.

"We unequivocally denounce all forms of abuse, whether physical, psychological or sexual; furthermore, anyone practising their faith within the Archdiocese of Montreal must be able to do so in total safety and without fear or misgiving," Bishop Alain Faubert, auxiliary bishop and vicar general, said in the written statement.

"We would like to reiterate our willingness to do everything to bring the truth to light, and we renew our commitment to ensure that everyone who calls upon or looks to the Church is treated with compassion and respect."