AP Wire

Breaux Bridge priest arrested on child porn charge

by The Associated Press

The diocese said it was informed by state police on Wednesday of the arrest of the Rev. F. David Broussard, who served the church parish of St. Bernard

Broussard

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette says one of its priests has been arrested on a charge of possessing child pornography.

In a news release on its website, the diocese said it was informed by state police on Wednesday of the arrest of the Rev. F. David Broussard, who served the church parish of St. Bernard in Breaux Bridge.

The diocese said Broussard was placed on administrative leave. Neither the news release nor online court and jail records indicated whether he has a lawyer who could comment on the allegations.

State police have not released details on the arrest but said they would do so later Wednesday. The diocese said it was cooperating in the investigation and would release more information Wednesday afternoon.

The diocese released a statement early Wednesday:

The Diocese of Lafayette was informed and saddened to learn on July 27th that the Louisiana State Police arrested the Reverend F. David Broussard on charges of possessing child pornography. The Diocese takes these allegations very seriously and is cooperating fully in every way possible with the investigation. Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel, on learning of the allegations, immediately placed Father Broussard on administrative leave from active priestly ministry. The Bishop and staff are providing pastoral care to the congregation of Saint Bernard Parish in Breaux Bridge, and will preach at all Masses at Saint Bernard Parish this weekend. The prayers of the diocesan community are requested.