Ri Priest Resigns Amid Abuse Allegation

Houston Chronicle
January 13, 2013

http://www.chron.com/news/article/RI-priest-resigns-amid-abuse-allegation-4190417.php

Roman Catholic Church officials say a Rhode Island priest has resigned from his parish and has been placed on administrative leave because of a "credible" allegation of sexual misconduct from more than 25 years ago.

The Diocese of Providence announced Sunday that the Rev. Barry Meehan has resigned as pastor of St. Timothy's Church in Warwick and that church officials have reported the allegation to state police. Details of the allegations weren't released.

The diocese says Meehan has denied any improper activity.

Meehan couldn't be reached for comment Sunday. A phone message for him was left at St. Timothy's Church.

The diocese says Meehan was ordained to the priesthood in 1978. He served at parishes in West Warwick, Cranston and Providence before being appointed pastor of St. Timothy's in 2002.