Judge hears details of sexual assault allegations against rural priest during foreplay in Humboldt

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A provincial court judge in Humboldt, Saskatchewan, will hear evidence today against a local Catholic priest charged with sexual assault.

The preliminary hearing will determine whether Father Anthony Atter will stand trial on the allegations. The 45-year-old faces charges of sexual assault, sexual exploitation and sexual interference.

The assaults reportedly took place from September to November 2020 and involved a complainant.

“I can tell you that Father Atteris is very interested in being able to testify and be able to give his side of events,” said Atter’s lawyer, Brian Pfefferle.

“He is very confident that when the light sheds light on this unfortunate allegation, he will be exonerated because he completely denies anything other than entirely appropriate behavior with anyone he comes into contact with in this community.”

Sexual interference is a charge laid when the alleged victim is under the age of 16.

Police first learned of the allegations on November. 5, according to Humboldt RCMP. Police said several sexual incidents took place between September 1 and November 4, 2020.

Atter is the priest in charge of three parishes: St Gregory in Saint Gregor, Sask., St Ann in Annaheim, Sask., And St Anthony in LakeLenore, Sask.

Atter was removed from his post after the Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon learned of the charges.

Pfefferle has suggested that the legacy of abuse by people in positions of trust may have contributed to the charges against Atter.

“The Catholic Church is a community that has suffered as much as any community from this sort of thing. It creates an unfortunate notoriety for someone like Father Atter. But at the same time, I think we will be able to see our justice system work, ”he said.

The preliminary hearing is expected to last one day.

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