Following a statement on June 23 from Bishop Guy Desrochers of the Diocese of Pembroke (reproduced below) regarding Father Chris Shalla, Killaloe OPP have today confirmed criminal charges against the priest as described in the OPP media release below. Most recently pastor at St. Andrew’s Parish in Killaloe, Shalla was ordained on May 3, 1986 and was pastor at St. Hedwig’s Parish in Barry’s Bay at the time of the offences. Above: St. Hedwig’s Church
OPP Killaloe media release
Police have laid several criminal charges after concluding a lengthy investigation into allegations of fraud and theft.
In 2017, the Killaloe Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) began an investigation into allegations of fraud and thefts occurring at a local church in the Township of Madawaska Valley.
The Renfrew County Crime Unit was assigned to this case and as result of the investigation, 62-year-old Christopher SHALLA of Madawaska Valley has been charged with the following Criminal Code (CC) offences:
- Fraud over $5000;
- Criminal breach of trust;
- Obtaining by false pretences over $5000; and,
- Theft over $5000.
The accused was released on conditions and is scheduled to appear in court on August 10, 2022, Ontario Court of Justice, Killaloe.
Yarmel,C.,OPP Killaloe Detachment(2022,June28) CHARGES LAID FOLLOWING LENGTHY CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION [media release]
Statement from Bishop Guy Desrochers CSsR
Most Rev. Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R., issues the following statement:
The Ontario Provincial Police has pressed charges against Father Chris Shalla in relation to the financial issues dating back to his time as pastor of St. Hedwig’s Parish, Barry’s Bay. As a result, Father Shalla has been granted an approved leave of absence. He remains a priest in good standing and is co-operating in this process.
The Diocese of Pembroke is also co-operating fully with public authorities and is respectful of the rights of all parties concerned. Let us pray that truth and justice will be served by this process.
Desrochers,G.,(2022,June23) Statement from Bishop Guy Desrochers CSsR [News release]. Retrieved from https://pembrokediocese.com/
I read the other news source report, they sat on the fence instead of telling more of the truth about the news release.
Thank you for telling the whole story Madvalleycurrent .
Can anyone imagine how the old people who lived on a small budget feel , depriving themselves of simple things in life to support the church they believe in and they wonder why less and less people want to believe in them and support their way of life ..
Something is not right here . Think about it ?
Let’s have more truth in politics and religion .