Prosecutors Wants Convicted Ex-priest Civilly Committed

Fox Boston
July 31, 2015

http://www.myfoxboston.com/story/29680278/prosecutors-wants-convicted-ex-priest-civilly-committed

Massachusetts prosecutors want a former Roman Catholic priest convicted of sexually abusing children civilly committed indefinitely now that his prison term has ended.

Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett's office goes before a judge in Salem Superior Court on Friday to start the process to have 72-year-old Ronald Paquin held in a state hospital as a sexually dangerous person.

Paquin pleaded guilty in 2003 to sexually assaulting a 12-year-old altar boy at a Haverhill church, and was sentenced to 12 years in prison. His sentence ended in May but he remains in custody until his status is resolved.

Prosecutors want Paquin held pending a mental health examination. If that examination determines he is likely to commit more sex offenses, a trial will be held.

It's not clear who is representing Paquin.