Connecticut Priest, Arrested on Child Porn Charges, Says He Wants to "Get Help"

Patch
July 3, 2012

http://westhartford.patch.com/articles/update-fr-carey-i-want-to-get-help#video-10547622

Today, in his arraignment in a New London court, the Rev. Dennis Carey said “I want to get help” while posting a $100,000 bond on a charge of first-degree possession of child pornography.

Carey was the pastor of St. Paul in Chains Rectory in Waterford before resigning last week following a state police investigation into child pornography. That investigation turned into an arrest, with Carey turning himself in Monday.

During his arraignment, Carey’s lawyer Ronald Stevens stressed that there are no allegations of Carey doing anything inappropiate with children. He said Carey was allegedly just looking at child pornography, saying Carey has "been struggling with the issue for awhile.”

“I just think there is a huge difference,” said Stevens, referring to the difference between viewing child pornography and doing inappropriate things with children.

Stevens argued Carey’s bond should be set at $50,000, but Judge Kevin McMahon put it at $100,000. Carey posted bail, and his next court date is Monday.

Carey said he would see a therapist today. Stevens also stressed that the church in no way participated in or covered up Carey’s alleged crime.

UPDATE, 11:40 a.m., Tuesday:

A statement from the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of Norwich:

“We have just learned of the arrest of Father Dennis Carey, former pastor of St. Paul’s Church in Waterford, on charges linked to child pornography. We, along with everyone else, will wait to see how the legal process unfolds and to learn the details of the investigation.

"These allegations are extremely serious and run contrary to everything we believe as a Church. To exploit children in that fashion is absolutely reprehensible. We pray the allegations are not true.

"This is a sad moment for all of us. We always hope we will never again hear about any investigations or allegations of misconduct by priests. For the parish community, for the priests of the diocese, and for me personally, it is extremely difficult. We are all saddened and deeply hurt.

"We are grateful to the State Police for their professionalism. They continue to have our full support and cooperation.”

Diocese spokesman Michael Strammiello added that "Father Joseph Whittel, of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Quaker Hill, will serve as interim Parish Administrator. The Diocese is fully committed to complete cooperation with the investigation."

ORIGINAL:

Connecticut State Police have arrested a priest from a Waterford Roman Catholic Church on child pornography charges.

Dennis Carey, (DOB 11/17/46), of 191 High Street, Apt A4, East Hartford, was charged with Possession of Child Pornography First Degree.

Carey resigned last week as priest at St. Paul in Chains Church in Waterford.

State police said in a press release issued this morning that "on 05/29/12, the Los Angeles, California, Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Taskforce contacted the Connecticut State Police Computer Crimes ICAC Taskforce and requested assistance with an investigation that originated in California but led to a possible suspect residing in the State of Connecticut.

"Troopers initiated a criminal investigation in Connecticut. Troopers obtained information from America Online (AOL) (which) submitted reports to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) concerning suspected child pornography that had been sent using an AOL email account.

"Connecticut Troopers utilizing investigative leads and information, ... submitted search warrant applications to Superior Court. The court issued the search warrants and subpoenas associated with various email accounts and IP addresses pertaining to this investigation.

"On 06/28/12, Troopers from the CT State Police assisted by the Waterford Police Department executed a search warrant at the St. Paul Parish Rectory, 170 Rope Ferry Road, Waterford, CT. Troopers seized various items of evidence and continued this investigation.

"Upon review of evidence and facts and circumstances in this case, Troopers submitted an application for an arrest warrant to Superior Court for the arrest of the accused. The arrest warrant was issued by the court for the arrest of the accused.

"(On) 07/02/12, the accused surrendered to State Police. The accused was processed at State Police Troop E and was held on a $100,000 bond. He will be presented in Superior Court in New London today to answer the charge.

"The State Police will continue this investigation and are asking anyone who has any knowledge or information related to this investigation to contact State Police at 860-685-8190."

Patch will have updates.