Father Joe LeClair, a well-known former priest in Ottawa who stole $130,000 from his church, has died. Father Dan van Delst of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall confirmed that LeClair passed away on Thursday night.
LeClair had gained popularity as a charismatic speaker and community leader during his time at Blessed Sacrament Church in Ottawa’s Glebe neighbourhood. However, concerns about financial irregularities prompted an investigation by church authorities.
Investigators found that LeClair had taken tens of thousands of dollars through cheques between 2006 and 2011. He pleaded guilty to defrauding the church in 2014 and was sentenced to one year in prison, followed by one year of probation. He was subsequently released early for good behaviour.
LeClair had been diagnosed with pathological gambling. Following his departure amid the legal proceedings, church attendance declined, although many parishioners continued to support him.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE