Priest Told Investigators He "Repented" after Viewing Child Porn

KATC
August 12, 2016

http://www.katc.com/story/32740734/new-details-priest-told-investigators-he-repented-after-viewing-child-porn

The Breaux Bridge priest arrested on child pornography charges told investigators he knew viewing the images was wrong and that he "'repented' after every episode," according to an arrest warrant obtained by our investigative team.

Father David Broussard was arrested on July 27 on 500 counts of child pornography after images allegedly were found Broussard's computer. The images included both male and female children ranging in age from infancy to 12 years old, and included photos of children involved in sexual activity with other children and adults, according to the arrest affidavit.

During an interview with investigators, Broussard allegedly admitted that he used the computer to search and view child pornography.

The computer was found at Broussard's office or living quarters at St. Bernard Roman Catholic Church, where Broussard was a priest, according to the affidavit.

Investigators examining the computer learned that it had be used from July 2014 to July 2016 to search for child pornography. Genealogy searches for the surname Broussard were also made on the computer in close proximity of searches for child pornography, according to the arrest affidavit.

Broussard was released on a $25,000 bond the same day he was arrested on the condition that he not possess a computer.

A court date has not yet been set in Broussard's case.

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State Police did not request a warrant to arrest a Breaux Bridge priest on child pornography charges until after they had questioned him, records indicate.

The initial report in the case of David Broussard, the priest arrested on child pornography charges, indicates State Police were initially contacted by the St. Martin Parish Sheriff's Office on July 15. The State Police Special Victims Unit found that multiple searches for child pornography were made on Broussard's computer between July 2014 and July 2016, the document states.

The computer was "personally owned" by Broussard. The desktop had more than 500 images of child sexual abuse saved, the document states.

The computer was located a Broussard's living quarters at the St. Bernard Roman Catholic Church in Breaux Bridge where he was pastor.

Investigators questioned Broussard about the case, and afterward requested and received a warrant for him on 500 counts of possession of child pornography.

To read the document, scroll down.

In another recent development, the Teche News reported that Lafayette Diocese Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel informed the St. Bernard congregation that Broussard had offered an apology. The newspaper reported that the Bishop said during last weekend's Masses at the church that he had met with Broussard, who said he is "sorry for his actions and for the pain and embarrassment he has caused his church and diocese.