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	Bishop Stang Ministry Director Cleared of Sexual Misconduct Charges By Brian Fraga SouthCoast Today December 30, 2010 http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101230/NEWS/101239999/-1/NEWSMAP The Bristol County District Attorney’s office said there is “insufficient evidence” to criminally charge a Bishop Stang High School campus ministry director who had been accused of engaging in inappropriate sexual conduct with a student in the mid 1990s. Prosecutors told the Diocese of Fall River they reached that determination after a “full investigation” into the allegations against Jean Revil, 53, who has been on paid administrative leave since the alleged victim came forward in early October. The District Attorney’s Office also said that any criminal charges would have been barred by the statute of limitations. The alleged victim, a former female student at Stang, said the incident occurred in 1994. In a written statement to The Standard-Times, Revil said the allegation had caused a “ripple effect” in her life that had led to her being removed as a volunteer at the Dartmouth House of Correction. She had also been prohibited from speaking at confirmation retreats that she had been previously scheduled to attend. “It is still hard for me to believe that one person can cause so much damage to so many people by reporting a false allegation,” Revil said. “I don’t believe that my life will ever be the same. I am still trying to process the emotional toll this has taken on me. My family and friends have suffered greatly, and the entire Stang community has been affected. “What an incredible injustice has taken place,” she said. On Oct. 7, the diocese placed Revil on administrative leave a few days after a Catholic Social Services staff member received a report of the alleged sexual contact between Revil and the student in 1994. The diocese immediately reported the matter to the district attorney. The alleged victim — now an adult — claimed the incidents took place at the school, according to the diocese. The allegation shocked many who know Revil, who has been a staff member at Bishop Stang High School for more than 30 years, having worked as a classroom teacher and most recently as director of the school’s campus ministry office. Revil has also accompanied students on various mission trips, including a 2002 visit to Toronto for World Youth Day. It was not immediately clear this morning whether Revil will return to Stang. In her statement, Revil said thanked God “for the gift of faith” that sustained her and added that a “sea of prayer” from her supporters also helped. “I thank God for all of the support that has been given to me by so many people, some of whom I don’t even know,” Revil said, adding that “things happen in all of our lives over which we have no control.” Contact: bfraga@s-t.com
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