MASSACHUSETTS
WWLP
[with video]
Abbie Burke, WPRI
Published: July 29, 2017
WARE, Mass. (WPRI) – Former priest and convicted pedophile Paul Shanley settled into his new home in Ware, Mass. Friday night as a free man.
Shanley was released Friday morning from the Massachusetts Old Colony Correctional Facility in Bridgewater after serving 12 years of a 15-year sentence for raping a boy in the 1980’s. Dozens of men came forward decades later saying Shanley had molested or raped them too.
Paul Shanley, priest convicted of rape, moving to Ware
Shanley, now 86, first had to register with local police as a Level 3 sex offender, which is the highest level and considered the most likely to re-offend.
“It’s their decision where they can live,” Ware Police Chief Shawn Crevier said.
“We’re definitely concerned about this,” said Liz Pelletier, a mother who lives in Shanley’s new neighborhood.
Several of Shanley’s alleged victims and other victim advocates have also voiced concerns, saying they believe he will re-offend.
Sex abuse victims seek help to track ex-priest’s whereabouts
“This is a man I don’t think will stop abusing,” Dr. Robert Hoatson said. “He’s a very dangerous person.”
Hoatson showed up in Ware Friday morning to protest, holding signs and saying he was acting as a voice for many.
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