May 31, 2010 - Employee of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Woburn, On Leave

(Braintree, MA)  May 30, 2010...The Archdiocese of Boston today announced that an employee of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Woburn, Mr. Thomas DeBlois, has been placed on leave without pay pending the outcome of an investigation by local law enforcement into alleged sexual misconduct.  Mr. DeBlois serves as Choir Director and Director of Music at St. Charles Borromeo Parish.  Mr. DeBlois previously served as a music teacher at the St. Charles Borromeo School.

Upon learning of the alleged misconduct, the Archdiocese of Boston immediately notified local law enforcement and is cooperating fully with the Middlesex District Attorney's office, the Woburn Police Department and the Massachusetts Department of Family and Children as these authorities investigate the allegation.

As part of the Archdiocese of Boston's commitment to protect children, it requires that any employee or volunteer working with children undergo a background screening check on an annual basis.  Mr. DeBlois, who has been an employee of St. Charles Borromeo Parish since 1992, was last screened in January 2010 and no criminal entries were discovered.

The Archdiocese of Boston is working closely with Rev. Timothy J. Shea, pastor of St. Charles Borromeo, and the school principal to support the parish and school communities as they processes this difficult news.