A highly respected Winnipeg priest is now at the centre of a kidnapping and sexual assault case in Hawaii. Father Bohdan Borowec was on vacation in Honolulu last week where police say a 55-year-old woman was held against her will and groped.
Media reports out of Hawaii describe the priest hugging and kissing the woman. The reports suggest that when she tried to get away Borowec shut the door and sexually assaulted her.
The 56-year-old is a priest at two Ukrainian Catholic churches in Winnipeg – Christ the King on Fountain Street and Holy Ghost on Ada Street.
The president of Christ the King says the charges are shocking. He says Borowec is a quiet, nice man who was working hard and sending money to the poor in Ukraine. He says he didn't see any red flags.
The assault allegedly occurred at a church in Honolulu where Father Borowec was staying, which is run by the Eparchy of Saint Nicholas in Chicago. Officials sent CTV News a statement saying all visiting priests must obtain permission before conducting any ministry activities on its grounds. They say there is no record of the priest being given any authority.
Officials say they told the alleged sexual assault victim to contact police after she contacted them. They plan to cooperate with the investigation.
Borowec is being held in Honolulu on $75,000 bail.
-With a report from CTV's Stacey Ashley
