Priest paroled

Tag: canada

By Jennifer Green,

Defrocked priest convicted of sex assaults paroled

A defrocked priest who preyed on boys in Wilno, a small town west of Ottawa, has been released on parole after serving two-thirds of a four-year sentence on 13 counts of sexual and indecent assault.

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It is not known where Bernard Prince will settle, but the former monsignor must follow a treatment plan and sex offender counseling program. Parole officers will supervise his progress and monitor his long list of restrictions.

One of Prince's victims recently received a registered letter from Corrections Canada outlining Prince's release. The victim, whose identity is protected under a court-ordered seal, had asked the government to inform him of any developments with the former cleric.

"You know, I thought it would be easier, that it was all done. But it's harder. He served two-thirds of the sentence. I'm still dealing with my lifetime of a sentence, and all the other victims are the same," the victim said.

Prince cannot have any contact with his victims or their families; he cannot have any type of authority over any male younger than 18; he cannot do any volunteer work or be involved in any organization that offers activities for males younger than 18.

He is also on a national registry of sex offenders, but usually only police can see that list. It's not available to the public, says Rob Talach, a lawyer with LeDroit Beckett who specializes in clergy sex abuse cases.

Prince was ordained in the hamlet of Wilno, but his career reached great heights, as he progressed to the Vatican, despite the warnings of Canadian clerics who knew of his predatory habits. He was known for his flashy cars, high living and various residences in Florida, Italy, and Canada.


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