Charges Dropped Against Walpole Priest

Indecent assault charges have been dropped against a Walpole priest from Blessed Sacrament Church, Emile “Mike” Boutin.

Prosecutors dropped the case, July 31, at Stoughton District Court when the then 21-year-old accuser, who alleged that Boutin had grabbed him inappropriately, refused to testify.

"The alleged victim contacted the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office and communicated that he did not wish to testify at trial and asking that he not be forced to do so. At that time, a Nolle Prosequi was entered in the case, withdrawing the charges from consideration by the court," Norfolk County DA spokesman David Traub said.

"Police have brought no other charges and there has been no additional information provided that would indicate other charges," Traub said.

Boutin was banned from public ministry from the Boston Archdiocese while the case was pending, according to an article on the CBS Boston website.

"We are grateful the legal process has been resolved. The Church has respected these proceedings throughout the course of the case out of respect for Fr. Boutin’s rights. At this time we will initiate the process by which we will make a determination regarding his status and future ministry in the Archdiocese. We continue to ask for the prayers of all impacted by these events, including the parishioners of Blessed Sacrament," Boston Archdiocese spokesman Terrence Donilon said in a statement.