Bishop Lahey's travels, evasive answers prompted airport search

October 09, 2009

Airport security officials in Ottawa searched the laptop computer of Bishop Lahey after the bishop was nervous and evasive in response to questions, a warrant shows. The bishop also came under scrutiny because he had traveled to Asian countries that are notorious for child pornography, authorities disclosed.

When a preliminary search of Bishop Lahey's computer discovered pornographic images, the bishop admitted an attraction to young adult males. But a more thorough search turned up images of young boys. The bishop now faces child-pornography charges. While awaiting trial, Bishop Lahey will live in Ottawa. Archbishop Terrence Prendergast of Ottawa-- who worked closely with Bishop Lahey in Nova Scotia during his previous posting as Archbishop of Halifax-- said that he had given the disgraced bishop permission to stay in local priests' residence because "he was facing very few-- practically no-- options."

 

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Further information:

• Warrant describes evasive bishop (Chronicle Herald)
• Laptop held images of young boys: warrant (Globe and Mail)
• Judge allows accused bishop to stay in Ottawa (CTV)
• Ex-Halifax archbishop welcomes Lahey to Ottawa diocese (Chronicle Herald)