Editors' note: On March 12th, 2024 Arthur learned that the charges against Neil Pereira were dropped by the Crown. In a joint statement from the Diocese of Peterborough and the Archdiocese of Toronto noted that while the charges had been withdrawn and the criminal investigation concluded, the Archdiocese “will conduct its ecclesial investigation in accordance with its policy” and a further update will be provided once it is complete.
The Peterborough Police Service announced that they have arrested and charged Father Neil Pereira, 33, with Sexual Assault and Sexual Interference following an investigation which began in June following an allegation of sexual and professional misconduct.
“Sexual Interference is when a person, for a sexual purpose, touches, directly or indirectly, with a part of the body or with an object, any part of the body of a person under the age of 16 years,” the police report explains.
Pereira has been the campus minister for Trent University and Fleming College since 2022 and, as of publication, is still listed as director of the Peterborough Campus Ministry and as a Spiritual Care Provider for Trent’s Multi-Faith Network.
According to a statement released by Bishop Daniel Miehm of the Catholic Diocese of Peterborough, Pereira was removed from his ministry in June, following the allegations being reported to the Children’s Aid Society and Peterborough Police Services.
“Fr. Pereira is a priest from the Archdiocese of Toronto on loan for campus ministry in the Diocese of Peterborough,” the statement read. “The officials of the Archdiocese of Toronto have been kept informed by the Diocese of Peterborough throughout this process, including the laying of criminal charges.”
Despite this, Pereira is still listed on the Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains’ website which includes a link to his Peterborough Diocese email address and notes his role with the Peterborough Campus Ministry.
The Peterborough Campus Ministry “exists because God has called us to accompany students of Trent University and Sir Sandford Fleming College into a personal and life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ” according to a Ministry page on the Church’s website.
In an April 8th, 2022 newsletter from the Peterborough Diocese, Bishop Miehm notes that Pereira graduated from St. Augustine’s Seminary and was ordained to the priesthood in 2020. At the time of his appointment as Campus Minister for Fleming and Trent he had been serving as the associate pastor at St. Isaac Jogues parish in Pickering.
A news release from the Toronto Archdiocese from the same day does not mention the transfer.
Arthur reached out to Trent University for comment on whether or not Pereira has continued to be in contact with students since he was removed from ministerial duties by the Diocese. Trent Communications provided the following statement, which reads in full:
“Peterborough Police have advised there are no concerns for the Trent community at this time. Privacy legislation prevents the University from commenting on specific cases and active investigations.”
Shortly after Arthur called the Student Affairs Office and emailed Trent Communications, Pereira’s status on the website was changed to “Currently on Leave” despite including a link to his email address just an hour prior.
As this matter is now before the courts, Peterborough Police are not releasing any more information. Pereira is set to appear in court on August 8th.
Peterborough Police Service has asked that anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Constable Jacob Donnelly at extension 705-876-1122 ext. 335, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
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