A Roman Catholic priest in Montana has been charged with felony sexual abuse of children after sexual images of naked children were found on his Nintendo DS gaming console and personal computer.

The Missoulian reported that a woman called authorities last October to report that nude images of young boys were found on a Nintendo DS game console she purchased from Rudolph “Rudy” Carl Bullman, 67, who serves as a priest at Risen Christ Parish in Kalispell.

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The priest admitted to a Flathead County Sheriff’s Office detective that he had used the gaming console to view gay pornography, but insisted all the subjects were at least 18 years old.

A search of Bullman’s personal computer uncovered “images of young males between the ages of 12 and 18, either engaged in sexual activity or displaying their genitals,” according to the Missoulian.

“Well those aren’t adults,” Bullman allegedly agreed upon seeing the images.

A forensic analysis of his computer found an additional 23 images of child pornography in his Internet cache and 23 deleted JPG images.

Bullman is expected to enter a plea in an arraignment hearing on March 29. He is currently free on his own recognizance and has been placed on administrative leave by Risen Christ Parish.

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“We were made aware of an investigation by the Flathead County Attorney’s Office and at that time he was placed on administrative leave, which is what our policies and procedures call for,” diocese spokeswoman Renee St. Martin Wizeman explained.

The priest faces 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted.

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