Boise, Idaho, Feb 15, 2018 / 15:07 pm
A retired priest of the Diocese of Boise is facing multiple charges involving child pornography and drug possession, which has sparked a feeling of shock and betrayal in the local bishop.
"When I heard the news for the first time, certainly sadness entered my heart, followed by shock and a sense of betrayal," said Bishop Peter Christensen in a Feb. 11 announcement from the Diocese of Boise.
"I wish I could take away the pain that follows such horrific stories, but I cannot," Bishop Christensen continued, saying that "we live in troubled times."
The allegations were brought against Fr. W. Thomas Faucher, a 72-year old retired priest, who spent 20 years as the spiritual head of St. Mary's Catholic Church and School in Boise. Fr. Faucher retired three years ago, and is now facing charges for allegedly possessing or distributing child pornography, as well as being in possession of marijuana, LSD, and ecstasy.