In France, Falsely Accused Priest Fights Back Against His Accusers and Wins

Marie-Jeanne Martin and Jean Louis Martin : Rev. Francois Jerome Leroy

Not smiling anymore: False accusers Marie-Jeanne Martin and Jean Louis Martin

In March 2018, Marie-Jeanne Martin, 74, and Jean Louis Martin, 70, penned a letter to their local prosecutor in northeast France with purported "testimony" that their two grandchildren and others had been victims of criminal "touching" by a local priest, Fr. François-Jérôme Leroy.

Well, it turns out the couple made the whole thing up. Total bogus.

The prosecutor interviewed over 20 people, and rather than uncovering anything untoward by Fr. Leroy, "witnesses affirmed that the couple had concocted the story."

As reported by La Croix:

"It's a web of lies," said one [witness]. "It was just a way to get rid of Father Leroy with whom they were in conflict," said another.

In fact, the Martins had been in a dispute over the cost of an apartment they were renting from the Foyer de Charité (the priest's community) managed by Father Leroy.

And reported by L'Express:

"The 24 witnesses all denounced the accusations brought by the couple Martin, this couple who is hidden behind a pseudo status of whistleblower," the prosecutor said. "Their objective was to seek to dismiss Father Leroy of his duties."

To try and restore his reputation, Fr. Leroy filed a criminal complaint over the bogus accusations, and the Martins were found guilty. A judge just handed down a three-month suspended prison sentence against them and fined them each 500 euros (about $562); a pretty modest reprimand for attempting to destroy the priest and his reputation.

Still, a wholehearted attaboy for this priest seeking justice and demanding accountability for his accusers.

Fr. Francois Jerome Leroy

Fr. François-Jérôme Leroy

Comments

  1. Brad says:

    A win for da good guys! Bravo.

  2. peoples clown says:

    Its so good that he fought back, and wasn't thrown under the bus. There should be more instances like this, publicized. The bolsheviki media probably won't do much with it, due to their censorship issues.

        Their penalty, as stated, is just a slap on the wrist, compared to what would have happened to the good Fr. Leroy.

    • Dan says:

      Horror of all horrors!! The Catholics found two more liars among its ranks. Or maybe the 24 witnesses are the lying Catholics protecting the honor of their priest. Not at all suspicious that the priest decided to join the boys uninvited to the chapel? Sure seems like a nice place to be alone with the young men. Remember you were all defending the "honorable" card Pell, and his lawyer now says, "This is no more than a plain, vanilla sexual penetration case where a child is not volunteering or actively participating." So in other words it was only child rape. How nice.

      While researching this case in France, you just happen to overlook the case of Cardinal Barbarin, found guilty of failing to report child abuse by the Rev. Bernard Preynat, after parishioners accused the priest of sexually abusing dozens of Boy Scouts. So much for your excuses that teachers and Boy Scout predators get away with their perversions. How many of them are Catholics or clergy members. Also, the Cardinal received a suspended 6 month sentence, when he was looking at 3 years. Wow, "just a slap on the wrist" for protecting a pedophile. And how many priests and bishops received no punishment because their crimes were kept secret? 

      How about we discuss how Pope Francis invited Bishop Zanchetta, accused of inappropriate behavior with male seminarians, including sharing naked selfies, to a private retreat? More birds of a feather flocking together? The Bishop is also being investigated for two criminal cases based on accusations of sexual abuse. And the wheel just keeps on turnin'.

    • LLC says:

      Dan,

      Interesting comments. If you allow:

      “…two more liars among its ranks” = the article doesn’t say that the two accusers belonged to Fr. Leroy’s flock. Furthermore, Ananias and Sapphira were part of the first Church, were they not? As also you are part of some church (allegedly).

      “Not at all suspicious that the priest decided to join the boys uninvited to the chapel” = correct; why would a priest want to visit a chapel? Perhaps, in Dan’s world, doctors also never visit hospitals.

      “While researching this case in France…” = once again, Dan’s double-standard emerges. It is ok for him to cry “what about…”, but it absolutely verboten for TMR to do the same when a catholic priest is wrongly accused.

    • peoples clown says:

      Dan – I guess in your tunnel vision of the world church, you neglect the French battleground, where a priest was beheaded by Muslims! Remember the story? I don't think that this priest was condoning a pedophile, excuse me, homosexual church. France also had a Jewish convert cardinal!

    • Dan says:

      LLC, I belong to NO church. There is NO building, temple or church that I attend. There is NO headquarters or organization. My church is wherever 2 or more gather together in the name of the Lord and make an effort to follow His Word. I've learned just about all I know about God and Christ by reading His Word and through His Holy Spirit. I hope that clears things up, finally.

    • LLC says:

      Dan,

      "LLC, I belong to NO church" = I have no doubt about it. No accountability, no growth, no fellowship, no visible presence, therefore no impact on society whatsoever. Only the absolute presumption to judge and tell everyone else that they are wrong, based on your own interpretation of Scriptures. It must be a very lonely place, your church of one.

    • Dan says:

      I have to laugh how you Catholics claim people shouldn't judge, but in the same paragraph think you can judge a true believer in Christ. You absolutely know nothing about how I live my life in the Lord, yet sadly think you know everything. Your assessment couldn't be more wrong and idiotic. Let me inform you of what God thinks of your poor evaluation.

      "The spiritual person judges ALL THINGS, but is himself to be JUDGED BY NO ONE*." ESV

      "But he that is spiritual judgeth ALL THINGS, yet he himself is JUDGED OF NO MAN*." KJV

      "The spiritual person evaluates everything but is subject to NO ONE* ELSE'S EVALUATION."

       1 Cor 2:15

      Since you have trouble interpreting and understanding the Lord's Word, I gave you 3 versions and highlighted some of the words to make it simple for you. Let me know if you need me to draw you a picture! 

      *NO ONE, NO MAN and NO ONE - would most definitely refer to you.  servant of Truth

       

       

    • LLC says:

      Dan,

      “I have to laugh…” = glad to provide some solace to your (otherwise seemingly bleak and dark) everyday life.

      Regarding your gnostic reading of 1 Corinthians 2:15, hopefully you understand that Paul is referring to himself, right? Not the Corinthians, and especially not you. All true Christians possess the Spirit but not all Christians are taught by the Spirit and have authority beyond human wisdom. If alive today (and he is, in his writings), Paul would say, “Dan, I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for solid food. Even now you are still not ready, for you are still of the flesh”. Maybe not even milk. Perhaps formula. Anyhow, you get the idea.

      Allow me a question, if I may. How can you trust the translations of Scriptures you quoted? Do you speak, read and write Greek, Aramaic and Latin? Do you possess the original writings of the Apostles and Evangelists? No, you do not. You rely on other scholars’ interpretation (every translation is an interpretation), primarily Catholics, who preserved the Word of God for millennia. If, in this imaginary church of yours, there is a disagreement, who decides? Jesus is clear about it (Matthew 18:17). Or, perhaps, you talk to yourself in a mirror, and that makes two of you.

  3. Jim Robertson says:

    The media is Bolshevik? LMFAO!

    Name one U.S. war of imperialism, which is all of them for the past 70 years, that the New York Times and the MSM haven't supported.

    MSM gave Trump $1 billion dollars worth of free publicity. It gave Bernie Sanders nothing. Yet Bernie had 30,000 supporters at his rallies while HRC had next to none.

  4. Jim Robertson says:

    And?

     

  5. malcolm harris says:

    So JR on the 12th, objects to the term "Bolshevik" when talking about the media. Well how about the description "revolutionaries in business suits"? Because that is what I thought when  watching the Australian media, shouting about Cardinal Pell's prison sentence. They seemed in high spirits, as though they had a personal win.. Well it will all be short-lived, because he will win his appeal and be released. Sure hope he then copies the French priest and sues his accusers. This could be an opportunity….. to turn the tables against his persecutors. 

    • peoples clown says:

      That's right, Malcolm! He will be exonerated, and hope he goes after them like the Covington catholic h.s. student!

  6. Jim Robertson says:

    JoAnne those gullible people are smarter than you.

    They vote their own best interests, unlike believers, who only think they are following their own best interests, by believing fairy tales told them in childhood.

  7. Jim Robertson says:

    The idea you all aren't against a massive military budget of $750 billion that kills your neighbor . You know the neighbor,who you were commanded by your God to love? says it all.

    • peoples clown says:

      You can't make a blanket assumption like that! I don't think anyone wants war without end. Oh look! The bolsheviki in the u.s. can now have women drafted, so they can have their heads blown off too, just like in the soviet union! That is so progressive! 

    • LLC says:

      JR,

      what is your take on the case of UC-Davis English Professor Joshua Clover, who, despite his remarks (“I am thankful that every living cop will one day be dead, some by their own hand, some by others, too many of old age #letsnotmakemore.” and, “I mean, it’s easier to shoot cops when their backs are turned, no?") has not and probably will not suffer any meaningful consequences from the University Board of Directors? Just a simple sentence on the case would suffice, thanks.

  8. Jim Robertson says:

    Where are these revolutionaries in suits?

    You molest your own children again and again and imagine you are being attacked when you are held responsible for your crimes? Pathetic!

    • peoples clown says:

      Jim, remember, 80% post pubescent males, not really children. Of course not defending anything, but just getting the rhetoric in order. Just like someone saying" if eating fish on Friday gets me to heaven…" Well, for catholics, officially that's only for Lent, since Vatican 2.

  9. peoples clown says:

    Dan/Jim! Well, I think it was a year and couple months ago, that I was recommending a father amorth book I was reading ,to you. So, I'm reading another : "father amorth – my battle with Satan. Seeing as he was the exorcist for Rome, maybe he has good ideas for the current age! In Poland, a whole newspaper, building and all , was given an exorcism!! Maybe that's what's needed in the u.s. and Australia. It couldn't hurt!

  10. Sue says:

    Way to go, dear Father!!!  This is what every falsely accused priest should do immediately!  Find a good lawyer who's willing to handle the case & let your bishop know that the investigation is being conducted.  Chanceries rarely, if ever, truly check the truth of any accusations against a priest!  And, there rests the biggest problem.

    • Dan says:

      Sue,

      "And call no man your father upon the earth, for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

      Matthew 23:9

      I would also like to ask Julie, How do you reconcile your Church teachings of not obeying the very words of Christ? How do you justify not following the Sermon on the Mount?

      "But when you pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking."  Matthew 6:7  Praying dozens of Hail Marys to a human being, who can't grant you any mercy, hope or forgiveness of sins? Please explain this to me. I am puzzled as to why I'm the bad person railing against the innocent Church. I love God's Word. The Bible and my belief in Christ saved my messed up soul and life. I will defend its truths until the day I die and have to stand before the Father, like we all will.

       

  11. malcolm harris says:

    JR on the 13th, asks…… who are these revolutionaries in suits?. Well I was alluding to Australian journalists, who clearly have their  own agenda. What's more they have unprecendented means and opportunity to persuade the public. Through their domination of the mainstream media.. The 'court of public opinion' is virtually a captive audience. The strategy is to stampede the real courts into delivering 'revolutionary justice'. Which is why Cardinal Pell was convicted. I'm sure it wasn't the compelling evidence….. because there wasn't any.  

  12. Jim Robertson says:

    PClownster, I don't care what people want in the U.S. regarding war.. They've HAD nothing but war without end my entire 72 years.

    And as far as Satan goes? LOL! You're kidding me. Christian America has supported the slaughter of over 22 million people by the U.S. since WW2 by supporting the U.S. Empire and calling imperialism and murder "defense of country". Not my country. The rich own it. Could Satan, another cartoon character, be any worse than a God that allows the unjust slaughter of millions for the benefit of a scant few at the top?

     

    • Dan says:

      Jim, Why do you blame God for the evilness of man? Biblical Christianity, especially New Testament, has absolutely nothing to do with greed, war or the killing of millions. To blame God shows total ignorance of the teachings of Christ and His Apostles. Paul speaks of evil times dealing with wicked spiritual forces and instructs to put on the whole armor of God. Truth, righteousness, shield of faith to extinguish the arrows of the evil one, helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. No weapons, no wars, no killing and not even hate. Please stop blaming God for the wars of corrupt greedy leaders who falsely believe that God is on their side. 

  13. Jim Robertson says:

    TMR seems to be the center for thoughts from the Dark Ages.

    Turn the lights on and think like grown ups.

    Magical thinking, just like all magic, is a trick. i.e look here as compared to looking at the trick and how it's played against you.

     

    • LLC says:

      JR,

      if you don't mind reading books without images, I recommend "Those Terrible Middle Ages: Debunking the Myths” by Regine Pernoud. The original in French is more captivating, but the English version is also good. It is, of course, if by Dark Ages you mean the Middle Ages. If, instead, you refer to the current era, then, I for once agree.

    • Dan says:

      If you spent a little more time reading the Bible rather than Catholic propaganda, just maybe you might understand enough that you'd realize there isn't several interpretations, there are only frauds and deceivers who wish to interpret the Word to suit their own screwed up lives. Amen.

  14. Jim Robertson says:

    LLC, Defense of the Dark Ages? Pitiful! Truly pitiful.

    Dan if your god's in charge of everything? Then the buck stops with "him".

    "He" is the boss and if the fish stinks it stinks from the head. He set up the free will game, according to believers. Why are we tested? Why? Why because of orginal sin. stealing i.e. fruit theft. Your diety's a shmuck.

    • LLC says:

      JR,

      the Middle Ages (only an ignorant would call them Dark Ages) do not need defense. In the immortal words of B.A.B., "I pity the fool", or, in this case, JR.

      Furthermore, it's Deity, not diety. Unless, of course, you refer to eating the forbidden fruit…

      PS: it would be interesting if, once in a while, you would actually post something intelligent. But do not strain your brain, please!

    • Dan says:

      Jim, How can the mind of the flesh understand the wisdom of the Spirit. You have absolutely no idea how God works, The "buck" doesn't stop with Him, it stops with you and everyone of us. We're guilty enough for our own sins and don't have to be guilty of "original sin". You've listened to too much Church poppycock and think their teachings come from God. God is far from being a "schmuck" or any of the other names you feel free to accuse Him of.

  15. peoples clown says:

    Dan – I don't care if you drink milkshakes, or condensed milk, while looking in your bathroom mirror. As long as you believe Satan is very real!

    Jim – while you fritter time away, complaining about the "dark" ages,the time when the catholic church was taming your barbarian tribe to civilization, to where you are today. Don't throw away your legacy!

    • Dan says:

      Bozo/LLC, If regarding the Spirit I'm still drinking formula, then that would spiritually speaking mean you two are still attached to publiar's umbilical cord and ready to drop into the toilet.

      LLC – Explain to me how "accountability" ever profited your Church, when it came to their child molesting problems. Just because you claim accountability doesn't mean you live by it. You ever read you must be "doer of the Word not just a hearer"?

      Your Church helped translate the Word, and yet they have such a problem living by it and in your case even understanding the simplest of interpretations. You may have missed this but previously I explained that I owned 16 versions of the Bible and read the same line from each version. They all said virtually the same thing using different words. These were all different translations and yet kept the same meaning (interpretation). How did God perform that miracle?

      And I'm glad you think you know who Paul was talking about and are convinced it surely isn't me. You have trouble understanding the Word, but think you're some kind of psychic or maybe its more like psycho? Ask the reflection in your toilet which one applies to you, Wolf in Snow White's clothing. 

    • LLC says:

      Dan,

      Few comments on your response. After this, since we have greatly deviated from the topic of this post (to which you have provided no constructive opinions, as usual), I am bidding you farewell, until next time.

      First of all, you may have noticed the reddish “Reply” test at the bottom of some posts. This is where one is supposed to add his/her responses. It is not at all difficult, you should try, instead of adding random thoughts at the very end of the page. Perhaps a basic class on Internet or blog etiquette could be of some help.

      “Explain to me how "accountability"…” = Again, changing the topic. We were talking about that imaginary church of yours. In any case, as explained time and again in this blog (one can bring a mule to the water, but can’t make it drink), nobody claims that the response of the Church (the real one, the Catholic Church) has always been perfect. Of course, you only hear about the times it wasn’t. An objective press could greatly help addressing this issue, instead of providing a disservice. Nevertheless, the RCC is still the only organization actually doing something. Yours isn’t.

      “Your Church helped translate the Word…” = so blatantly incorrect. The Catholic Church canonized the Word. If this term is too long for you, it means that the Catholic Church, after great discussion, defined which books pertain to the Old and the New Testament. Translation is only part of what the Church has done.

      “I explained that I owned 16 versions of the Bible…” = impressive, and at the same utterly irrelevant and (in this day and age) useless.

      “…read the same line from each version.” = which was provided to you by faithful Catholic monks, dedicated to the preservation of God’s Word. So, all those Bible versions you boast about? They all come from the same one.

      “How did God perform that miracle?” = surely not by entrusting anything to your imaginary Church. Matthew 16:19 has the correct answer.

      “You have trouble understanding the Word” = not really. I have, indeed, a hard time understanding your words.

      One parting recommendation, which I will also offer to your trusty sidekick in a personal response to his maundering. I have noticed that you two tend to play a variation of the common recess game “yo mama is so…”, in which kids try to shock one another by assigning puerile and immature appellations. Well, it ain’t working. If anything, the two of you would be completely defeated by first and second graders. And rightly so.

    • Dan says:

      I replied like that because I was sick and tired of hearing the repeated childish publion "bathroom mirror" stupidity from the both of you Bozos. You think you can come up with any way you can criticize an opponent, while ignoring the real substance of the conversation. Now you think you can correct me about proper Internet etiquette or impress us with your vast vocabulary, while criticizing my use of "translate the Word", because I don't know what the term "canonized" means. You claim I was "blatantly incorrect" and yet end the paragraph saying, "Translation is only part of what the Church has done." Then I wasn't blatantly incorrect, now was I? You're only a Catholic troll and I've been wishing to bid you farewell a long time ago.

      P.S. You have no right to accuse anyone of being "immature", with your married to Jim comments. If we act like second graders then you act more like preschoolers.

    • People's clown says:

      dan corner – I think you're not in school yet.

  16. Jim Robertson says:

    HAHAHAHA! The church is merely the last remanents of  the Roman Empire and before that the Egyptian state religions, altered of course with new heroes and heroines. Working as it always has worked to control people by having the flock controll themselves with childhood stories that indocrtrinates the young into self patroling obedience to the status quo..

    You all need Satan and hell to scare you into heaven.,Both of which have no proof of their existence

    So there the fantasy devil is, poor soul, self imagined by you and ever ready to be your boogey-man.

    Just like your "God" and heaven are imagined so that instead of changing the suffering here on earth.Ie. oppression by the class above you. Your earthly suffering is offered up with hopes of a heavenly reward. 

    With out an ounce of proof that what you "believe" is real.

    Oh yes you must believe in the devil and the Easter Bunny. Trapped in your fears and dispencing ignorance as wisdom and lies as the truth.

    • LLC says:

      JR,

      Since you have a tendency to deviate from the topic at hand, I am bidding you farewell. These discussions do not pertain here, and distract from the very matter you claim to be concerned about, while ostensibly just care for revenge for some (alleged) past abuse.

      Interestingly enough, while you claim your anecdotal personal experience drove you to abhor violence, your posts clearly show a very violent and abusive side (both verbal and physical). You may want to keep that in check. Same for the monochromatic vision of yourself and everyone else, reduced to just one facet of an otherwise incredibly complex and astounding creation, living proof of an all powerful and loving Creator.

      Hopefully you realize that the tired and boring talking points you keep bringing up about Scriptures and Christianity in general have been discredited over and over. There is nothing novel and original about them, and simple Internet searches can provide exhaustive answers.

      One parting recommendation. I have noticed that you and Dan (perhaps Lt. Dan, which would make you Forrest – incidentally, not the romantic silver screen version) tend to play a variation of the common recess game “yo mama is so…”, in which kids try to shock one another by assigning puerile and immature appellations. Well, it ain’t working with me. If anything, the two of you would be completely defeated by first and second graders. And rightly so.

    • Dan says:

      Once again, childishly trying to loop me with Jim, while claiming we're "immature". I guess you don't understand this Biblical verse either, "You reap what you sow."

  17. Jim Robertson says:

    My barbarian tribe killed far less people than your empire has.  I say your because the Catholic church was second if not first in command when it came to building empires. The Catholic church is the biggest empire on earth. and headed by less than 2000 "Princes" of the church

    And we Irish saved your culture. We may have been religious while doing it ,but first and formost we were Irish. Your religion only showed up in Ireland 1200 years ago or more but the old ways lasted thousands and thousands of years.

    If one goes up Cro Patrick  (in Ireland ) you stop at the ancient sacred wells of the Celts now transformed into Christian holy places and the Irish have been walking up that mountain barefoot in "sacred" procession while the Holy Roman Catholic church was merely a glint in progenitors religions eyes. .

     

    • malcolm harris says:

      JR refers to Cro Patrick (his spelling) in his comment of the 16th. Hope he picked a better day than myself… to climb that mountain….. cos I was battered wind and rain. Anyway whatever the Celts did for the Irish, they didn't make much impression on widespread slavery. Patrick himself was a slave for several years. Patrick won the respect of the Irish by bravely speaking out against the slave owners. Also his defence of women's rights resulted in thousands of devoted women followers……brilliant.

  18. Jim Robertson says:

    The early Catholic church was not anti slavery. The gladitorial to the death "games" lasted 200 years or more under Christian dominance. Even in the late church. Jesuits owned over 100 slaves in Virgina. They righteously have aided these slaves desendents recently but the church is not above reproach when it comes to slavery.

    Malcolm everybody knows I spell for shitzki. :^)

    Did you go up Patrick bare foot, an old Pagan custom..

    And as far as the Irish church goes the English occupation and persecution did more to up Irish Catholicism than anything else.

    Attack my church and occupy my country I'll connect the 2 and defend both.

  19. Jim Robertson says:

    Trust me Malcolm. I've never climbed Cro Patric.

    My sins never needed  that much repenting.:^)

     

  20. Jim Robertson says:
  21. Jim Robertson says:

    HaHaha.!

    LLC, I mention violence committed by your church and you call me the violent one?

    I mention flaws in your religion's logic and that equates to violence to you?

    Well so much for truth.

    Calling me childish is an ad hominem attack. Very grown up.