Priest Prohibited from Serving after "Credible" Accusation of "Sexual Misconduct"

NBC 10
June 30, 2016

http://turnto10.com/news/local/priest-prohibited-from-serving-after-credible-accusation-of-sexual-misconduct

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence said Thursday that a senior priest no longer has permission to serve due to sexual misconduct. (WJAR)

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence said Thursday that a senior priest no longer has permission to serve due to sexual misconduct.

According to a press release from the Diocese, the Reverend B. Samuel Turillo, "is now prohibited from exercising the sacred ministry after the Diocese received a credible accusation regarding alleged sexual misconduct involving a minor that took place approximately 60 years ago."

The release notes that Turillo's faculties to serve as a priest were removed in accordance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

"Upon recently receiving the allegation, the Diocese immediately reported the information to the Rhode Island State Police and the Attorney General's Office," the release noted. "Simultaneously, Diocesan officials launched an investigation that concluded the allegation was of a credible nature."

Turillo, who was ordained to the priesthood in 1946, retired from active ministry in June 1994 after serving at several parishes and hospitals throughout Rhode Island. He lives at a private residence.

"The Diocese of Providence takes very seriously all allegations of abuse and works closely with law enforcement agencies in accordance with the Charter and diocesan policy when an allegation of abuse is reported," the release stated. "Church law is firm and consistent regardless of the age of the accused priest or the time frame of the alleged incident."

Turillo had assignments at St. Benedict in Warwick from 1946 to 1946; St. Patrick in Providence from 1946 to 1948; Sacred Heart in West Warwick from 1948 to 1953; St. Mary in Cranston from 1953 to 1954; Holy Angels in Barrington from 1954 to 1962; St. Joseph Hospital in Providence in 1962; St. Anthony in Woonsocket from 1962 to 1965; St. Ann in Providence from 1965 to 1971; St. Joseph in Hope Valley from 1971 to 1979; and Sacred Heart in West Warwick from 1979 to 1994.

The full content of the Charter may be accessed through the Diocesan website.