A retired priest from Idaho was arraigned in February, when prosecutors said he had hundreds of images of child pornography, as well as ecstasy and LSD. Now they are bringing even more charges against him, saying he had at least 2,000 illicit images and videos, adding that some of them depicted the rape and torture of kids.

Prosecutors in Ada County filed the charges on Tuesday against Rev. Thomas Faucher, who now faces 18 counts of possession and two counts of distribution of child pornography, according to local reports.

The 72-year-old retired priest was taken to jail after the judge on Tuesday raised his bond to $1 million. He was out on a $250,000 bail. Defense attorney Mark Manweiler argued against increasing the bond, saying it would be unjustified. He noted that Faucher has been compliant with court orders. Prosecutor Kassandra Slaven says two people have also come forward claiming that Faucher sexually abused them as children.

The $1 million bond is more than justified, considering the new evidence that has been discovered and actual allegations from alleged victims. This investigation has moved far beyond visual images and into the realm of first-hand assault.

Upon asking the judge to increase the bail, Slaven said the newly found images warranted additional measures. Especially notable are the violent nature of the photos and videos.

She said investigators found more than 2,000 images and videos of child pornography in Faucher’s possession, some of which depicted “the extremely brutal rape and torture of children.” She said the content was some of the worst material ever seen by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and noted that it included “many, many infant children.” Some of the images and videos included torture of adults, as well as torture and killing of animals. “There’s no doubt this defendant has very sadistic and deviant sexual interests,” Slaven said. She said there were “countless” chat conversations in which he talked about his desires to sexually abuse and kill children.

Faucher’s attorney said the increased bond is “unjustified” because there are no new “types of charges,” but there’s no doubt this case has taken a step to the next level. He wasn’t just viewing porn; he was viewing violent child rape porn and talking about his plans to torture and abuse young kids. He may have carried out some of those plans, too, considering there are multiple rape allegations against him.

Once again, a man who claimed to represent a divine moral standard failed to measure up to any human one. And his theology probably allows for forgiveness as long as he later repents the right way.

I don’t know that a jail sentence of any length would balance out his despicable actions, but it’s a start if he’s found guilty. At least his victims would see some justice.

(Screenshot via KTVB)

