Yes, it is a hard call and if the news reported he departed for unknown reasons, then the speculation would be “why did he not confess.” It is a difficult call, but he apparently had his reasons to do so. He has to answer, not us.
I know of a situation where the pastor just *disappeared* (it turned out to be adultery and he was removed from the pulpit) and there was far more talk about it than if a simple explanation had been given. Someone disappearing for no reason is going to result in talk. Better to come clean.