Police: Priest robbed parish to buy porn

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HAVERHILL, Mass., Nov. 8 (UPI) -- A Massachusetts priest stole $83,147 from his parish, largely to fund a pornography habit, police say.

The Rev. Keith LeBlanc of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church had a credit card used for online pornography, and it had a $25,000 balance, according to a police report on file at Haverhill District Court, The Eagle Tribune of North Andover, Mass., reported.

"Father LeBlanc admitted to Dunderdale that he has an addiction and needs help," Detective Glenn Fogarty wrote in the report. Mark Dunderdale is an attorney who led the Archdiocese of Boston investigation.

A review of Comcast bills from the rectory showed that "adult" movies "started the day Father LeBlanc came to the parish, at a total of $4,021.14," the report says.

The report was revealed after LeBlanc's arraignment on charges of forgery and larceny over $250 by continuous scheme. He has been released on personal recognizance bail. He was removed as pastor in June.

The report also said LeBlanc forged the name of the chairwoman of the parish finance committee on an audit slip.

Fogarty's report said LeBlanc was sent to St. John Vianney Center in Pennsylvania, which treats "behavioral health issues" of Catholic clergy.