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Arraignment set for priest facing child porn charges

KATC
March 29, 2017

http://www.katc.com/story/35024259/arraignment-set-for-priest-facing-child-porn-charges

Broussard

An arraignment date of May 2 has been set for Father Felix David Broussard, who was arrested in July 2016 on child pornography charges.

An arraignment is a formal reading of charges against a defendant. It usually is a chance for attorneys to make appearances and for the case's schedule, including a trial date, to be set. It is generally a legal housekeeping event. The defendant is required to enter a formal plea to the charges; in felony cases it is usually a not-guilty plea. 

Broussard was arrested after more than 500 images of child porn were allegedly found on his personally-owned computer. The computer was located a Broussard's living quarters at the St. Bernard Roman Catholic Church in Breaux Bridge where he was pastor. The images were found by a computer technician who was working on the computer, and he reported them. 

The Diocese cooperated fully in the investigation, and Lafayette Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel even held a press conference to announce the arrest prior to any release from law enforcement. The Bishop said at the time he wanted to ensure the Diocese is transparent in this case. Broussard was relieved of his duties at St. Bernard. 

Broussard's duties in Breaux Bridge included oversight of a school, but neither law enforcement nor the Diocese had received any complaints about Broussard other than the complaint about his computer. 

To read our story about the case from last summer, which includes the Diocese's full statement, Broussard's background and the probable cause document from the investigation, click here.

 




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