BREAUX BRIDGE – A Breaux Bridge priest has been arrested on possession of child pornography charges.

On Wednesday, investigators from the Special Victims Unit of the Louisiana State Police arrested Reverend F. David Broussard.

The Special Victims Unit received a complaint earlier this month that a computer belonging to Broussard had child pornography photos on it. During the course of the investigation, over 500 images of child pornography were identified on the computer. Investigators arrested Broussard and was booked into the St. Martin Parish jail on 500 counts on the above charge.

Broussard was immediately placed on administrative leave following the arrest.

The Diocese of Lafayette says they take the allegations "very seriously" and are cooperating during the investigation.

The Diocese of Lafayette's full statement on the arrest is below:  

"The Diocese of Lafayette was informed and saddened to learn on July 27th that the Louisiana State Police arrested the Reverend F. David Broussard on charges of possessing child pornography. The Diocese takes these allegations very seriously and is cooperating fully in every way possible with the investigation. Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel, on learning of the allegations, immediately placed Father Broussard on administrative leave from active priestly ministry. The Bishop and staff are providing pastoral care to the congregation of Saint Bernard Parish in Breaux Bridge, and will preach at all Masses at Saint Bernard Parish this weekend. The prayers of the diocesan community are requested."