Judge Michael Lojek will preside over Rev. Faucher's arraignment today. He is still in custody.
Online records show Rev. Faucher faces 11 counts sexual exploitation of a child, 2 counts distributing sexually exploitative material of a child, 1 felony drug charge, 1 misdemeanor drug charge.
The judge is still working his way through the female inmates who are being arraigned. We haven't reached Rev. Faucher's case yet.
Rev. Faucher is up next for his hearing. After a long afternoon in court, it his now turn to be arraigned.
The 72-year-old retired priest was brought in for his video arraignment in a wheelchair.
The judge is now listing off his charges to make sure Rev. Faucher understands the accusations. The drugs he is accused of possessing are marijuana and ecstasy.
Faucher says he understands his rights and the charges. He has no questions.
The prosecution is asking for bond of $500,000 and a no contact order for all children under 18.
Hundreds of child pornography files were found on his computer, the prosecutor says. Some infant and toddler-aged children.
The prosecution claims that in chats, Faucher has expressed a desire to sexually molest children.
The drug LSD was also found in his home.
The prosecution says that Faucher has a "very sophisticated knowledge" of exchanging and viewing child pornography.
Defense says Rev. Faucher has strong support from friends and family.
The defense says Faucher is a "progressive" Catholic priest who has helped thousands. He's been an activist, is well-liked and well-known. He holds at least 6 college degrees.
Defense says Faucher answered 5 hours worth of questions from police. He is not a danger to community and not a danger to flee.
The defense says Faucher has been around tens of thousands of children and there has never, ever been a complaint of abuse and never an allegation of impropriety.
