Priest from Humboldt area charged with sexual offences

The priest responsible for three rural parishes near Humboldt has been charged with sexual assault, sexual interference and sexual exploitation.

According to a release Wednesday from the Humboldt RCMP, 45-year-old Anthony Tei Atter of Lake Lenore was charged after the Mounties received what they called “a report of multiple incidents of a sexual nature” that occurred between Sept. 1 and Nov. 4.

The RCMP received the report on Nov. 5.

The parishes which Atter oversees are St. Gregory in Saint Gregor, St. Ann in Annaheim and St. Anthony in Lake Lenore.

In a statement to the media, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon said Atter had been “removed from ministry.”

“The diocese will be co-operating fully with police on this matter, and is unable to respond to questions and comments on the case at this time, while it is under investigation and/or before the courts,” the statement said.

“The Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon takes the matter of sexual abuse and serious misconduct very seriously and is committed to the care and support of victims of sexual abuse.”

Atter is to appear in Humboldt Provincial Court on March 22.

The RCMP said details about the victim wouldn’t be released in order to protect their identity.

“Right now, this is one victim and different incidents of one victim,” said Cpl. Rob King of the Saskatchewan RCMP.