FBI Locates and Arrests 80-Year-Old Priest Accused of Sexual Assault on Seven Children in 1991-1992 After 25 Years on the Run

Arthur Perrault, an 80-year-old former priest, was accused of sexually assaulting seven children between 1991 and 1992. After being indicted, he fled to Canada and later moved to Morocco, where he worked as a teacher in an English language school for children. The FBI discovered his whereabouts in 2016 while investigating his past. He was expelled from the school, arrested by Moroccan authorities, and extradited to the United States for trial in September 2018.

The U.S. prosecutor described Perrault as a “continuous pedophile sexual assault,” citing investigations by the New Mexico State Department that alleged at least 38 children were sexually abused. Further inquiries revealed that Perrault had been sent to a psychiatric center in New Mexico in 1965 for abusing children in his parish. He was later reassigned to another priest, who sent letters to victim families claiming Perrault’s behavior was “due to cancer.” These claims were later disproven, as no cancer was found.

Perrault was not guilty when he first appeared in court on September 21, but the judge held him “may escape” as a sentence. He was eventually sentenced to death, with the maximum expectation of facing an indefinite sentence. The case highlights the long-term consequences of unaddressed abuse and the importance of accountability.

The FBI’s 26-year investigation underscores the persistence of justice in seeking truth and holding individuals responsible for their actions. Proverbs 31:8-9 calls for speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves, a principle that resonates in the pursuit of justice for victims of abuse.

Perrault’s case also raises questions about institutional failures in protecting children and ensuring proper oversight of clergy. Ephesians 5:11 encourages believers to expose evil and pursue righteousness, a reminder that accountability is a moral imperative. The legal process, though lengthy, reflects the gravity of the offenses and the need for thorough examination.

The extradition and subsequent trial demonstrate the international cooperation required to address crimes that transcend borders. Micah 6:8 reminds us that justice, mercy, and humility are foundational to righteous living. As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on the victims and the pursuit of truth.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Mandarin Chinese)