Diocese of Fall River MA - BishopAccountability.org

61 Accused in This Diocese

Fr. Manuel Andrade, Jr.

Ordained: 1949
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Named publicly as credibly accused of the abuse of a minor(s) by the diocese on its list in 1/21. Died in 1995.

Assignments:

Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

Fr. Armando Andrew Annunziato

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1956
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Named publicly as credibly accused of the sexual abuse of a minor(s) by the diocese on its list in 1/21. Died 8/31/93.

Assignments:

Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

Sources:

Taunton Daily Gazette Obituary via Findagrave 09.01.93
Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

Fr. Jose Maria B. Avila

Ordained: 1930
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

One of 21 names of accused priests published by the Fall River District Attorney in 9/02. Name was misspelled as George Avellar. List says one alleged victim. D.A.'s office confirmed allegations regarding Avila 9/26/02. May have molested over 100 children over his 44 year career. Apparently his history was well known around several of the older Portuguese parishes. Retired in 1974. Died in 1988. Included on the diocese's list in 1/21 of those with credible accusations of the sexual abuse of a minor(s).

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Fr. William F. Baker

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1977
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 1/21. Faculties removed at some point. Laicized in 2015.

Assignments:

Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

Sources:

South Coast Today 01.14.21
Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

Fr. H. Stanley Barney

Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Included on the 9/26/02 list of Fall River priests investigated by the Bristol County District Attorney's Office. Reportedly there was one victim. Barney was not prosecuted due to the the statute of limitations. Included in 1/21 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Faculties removed at some point.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Fr. Adrien E. Bernier

Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Named publicly as credibly accused by the diocese on its list in 1/21. Died in 1989.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

Fr. Albert Berube

Ordained: 1960
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Berube's name was included on a list released in 9/02 by the District Attorney of 21 Fall River diocese priests accused of abuse. List showed one alleged victim. Berube died 6/26/73 at age 80.

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Fr. William Boffa

Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Parish priest, high school chaplain, camp and retreat house directory, CYO director. Named publicly as accused by the Fall River diocese on its list 1/21. In 5/01 Boffa announced to his parish that he was going on leave to deal with stress and depression. Included on the diocese's list in 1/21 of credibly accused. Faculties noted to have been removed.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Fr. Normand J. Boulet

Ordained: 1969
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Boulet's name was included on a list of 21 Fall River diocese priests accused of abuse which the District Attorney released in 9/02. List shows two alleged victims. Both 1993 and 2002 Catholic Directories show him "on sick leave." Died 3/23/15. Included on the diocese's list in 1/21 of credibly accused. It notes that his faculties had been removed.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Fr. Donald J. Bowen

Ordained: 1964
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Sexually abused a girl, ages 9-16, in the late 1960s-early 1970s. He wrote letters saying that he would leave the priesthood to marry her. She told the diocese in 1990 and accepted a $200K settlement in 1992. Bowen was an active priest in Bolivia with the Society of St. James for 28 years before his indictment in Boston in 2002. Charged with indecent assault and battery of a person under 14 and lascivious acts on a person under 16. Pled guilty in 2005. Sentenced to 2 years in jail, 10 years probation and registration as a sex offender. Included in 1/21 on the Fall River diocese's list of credibly accused. It notes that Bowen was laicized in 2007.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Fr. James F. Buckley

Ordained: 1959
Status: Settled

Died: 07/7/2024
Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Retired in 2001. Suspended in 1/2020 due to an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor decades prior. Buckley denied the allegation. Included in 1/2021 on the diocese's list of accused with "cases in process." On 12/13/2021 the Diocese announced that the allegation was deemed credible and that Buckley would not return to ministry. Settlement in 8/2023 in the five figures. Per attorney Garabedian, Buckley sexually abused two girls, one ages 6-10 during 1967-1971 and the other ages 10-17 during 1966-1973. Buckley allegedly spanked the girls on their buttocks. The girls attended St. Joan of Arc Parish in Orleans, where Buckley was assigned. He died in 7/2024.

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Fr. Edward J. Byington

Ordained: 1970
Status: Accused

Died: 12/6/2023
Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Retired in 2006. Suspended in 1/2020 due to an allegation of abuse of a boy, age 16, in 1971. His accuser said he met Byington through a weekend retreat for Christian teenagers and that the abuse occurred after the priest offered him a ride home. Byington allegedly took the boy to a convent and upstairs to his room, despite nuns trying to prevent the priest from taking the boy there by blocking the stairs. The abuse is said to have included sodomy. Byington denied the allegation. Included on the diocese's list of accused 1/7/2021, under "cases in process." Settlement in 5/2022 in the mid-to-high five figures. Reportedly in 11/2021 a second alleged victim had recently come forward. On 12/13/2021 the diocese announced that the allegations against Byington were deemed credible and that he would not be returned to ministry. Accused in a case settled in 2023 of sexually abusing a boy, age 12, in 1976. Byington died 12/6/2023.

Seminarian George R. Carrier

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Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Named publicly accused by the Fall River diocese in 1/21 on its list of credibly accused. Seminarian. Worked at Cathedral Camp in East Freetown, St. Vincent de Paul Camp in Westport and St. Pius X in South Yarmouth. Died in 2004.

Assignments:

Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

Fr. Charles Cavanagh

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1980
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Greek-Melkite priest. Included in 1/21 on the Diocese of Fall River's list of accused. Assigned at some point to Corpus Christi in East Sandwich.

Assignments:

Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

Fr. James A. Clark

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list in 1/2021. Laicized in 2000. Died in 2011.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

Fr. Paul G. Connolly

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Ordained: 1956
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Accused in 1992 of abusing at least 11 altar boys in the 1960s. One boy's parents told the Diocese in 1966 and Connolly was transferred to another assignment. Remained an active priest until 1992 when charges surfaced and he was suspended. Named as "Paul Connelly" on list of Fall River Diocesan priests investigated by the D.A.'s office in 2002. It showed 8 alleged victims, all beyond the statute of limitations. Included in 1/21 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. It notes that Connolly's faculties were removed and that he died in 2007.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Fr. John P. Cronin

Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Name on a list in 9/02 of priests investigated by the D.A'.s office for allegations of sexual misconduct. Reportedly there were three victims, all beyond the statute of limitations. In 10/02 he admitted that a woman went to the Bishop in 1991 alleging an inappropriate sexual relationship when she was a teenager and that "there was some truth" to what she said. Sent for evaluation and found not to be a threat. Placed in charge of cemeteries with some restrictions. Bishop O'Malley ordered further restrictions after two more allegations surfaced in the mid-1990s. Died 4/28/14. Included in 1/21/ on the diocese's list of credibly accused. It notes that his faculties were removed.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Fr. Richard Degagne

Ordained: 1982
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Placed on leave in 11/2019 pending an investigation into "misconduct" allegedly occurring prior to ordination. Degagne denied the allegations. He was a junior high school music teacher before entering the priesthood. Included on the diocese's list of accused 1/17/2021, under "cases in process." Allegedly sexually abused a boy 1972-1973 when a counselor at Cathedral Camp in Freetown. In 12/13/2021 the diocese announced that the allegations against Degagne were deemed credible and that he would not be returned to ministry. Lawsuit filed in 7/2022 alleges abuse of a boy, age 12-13, in 1988 in New Bedford and during an overnight trip to Maine. Settled in 5/2023.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Seminarian Alexander Delgado

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Status: Acquitted

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

From Colombia. In 1995 a woman said she was recently raped by Delgado at a religious retreat after she sought counseling from him. Delgado was a seminarian at the time. He was acquitted by jury. In a 8/98 civil suit, the woman claimed that just before her incident, Delgado had been accused of molesting a 13-year-old girl and pled guilty in 1997. May have returned to Columbia as part of a probation agreement. Included in 1/21 on the Fall River diocese's list, where he worked at some point at Cathedral Camp in East Freetown.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Fr. Arthur T. DeMello

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Ordained: 1962
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

One of 18 priests identified by Boston Herald 2/1/02 through search of court records and other documents. . DeMello's name appeared on list of 21 priests accused of abuse which District Attorney in Fall River released 9/02. List says one alleged victim w

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Fr. Arthur C. dos Reis

Ordained: 1926
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

From Sao Vicente Ferreira, Sao Miguel, Azores. Ordained for the Diocese of Fall River. Longtime pastor of St. Anthony of Padua in Fall River and later of Santo Christo. Named publicly as accused by the diocese in 1/21 on its list of credibly accused. Retired to the Azores in 1972. Died in 5/81.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Fr. J. Arthur G. Dupuis

Ordained: 1933
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 1/21 of credibly accused. Elevated to Monsignor in 1967, Died in 1975.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

Fr. Hugo Dylla

Ordained: 1899
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

From Poland, where he was ordained. Named publicly as accused by the dFall River diocese on its list in 1/21. Died in 1966.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

Fr. James W. Fahey

Ordained: 1970
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Named publicly as credibly accused by the diocese on its list in 1/21. Faculties noted to have been restricted. Died in 2016.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

Sources:

Standard Times 01.09.21
Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

Fr. Stephen A. Fernandes

Ordained: 1976
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Arrested in 11/04 and placed on leave after a computer repair technician found child pornography involving men and boys on his laptop computer and reported it to the Diocese. Assigned to Our Lady of Fatima in New Bedford at the time of his arrest. Also charged with exhibiting or posing at least one child engaged in a sexual act. Pleaded guilty. Sentenced in 11/05 to 8 months in prison, 4 years probation and a $20K fine. Included in 1/21 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Noted to have been laicized in 2008.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Fr. Bento R. Fraga

Ordained: 1956
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Retired in 2005. In 1/08 the Diocese received a report that Fraga molested a minor on one occasion in 1979 at Holy Ghost Parish. He denied all allegations. After investigation, the Review Board found the allegations credible. His removal from ministry was announced 3/16/08. As of 4/08, his accuser had decided not to press criminal charges. Fraga died 4/8/12. Included in 1/21 on the diocese's list of credibly accused.

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Fr. Albert A. Fredette

Order: MS
Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Died: 06/26/2000
Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Priest of the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette (M.S.) Named publicly by the Fall River diocese in 1/21 on its list of accused (as Alfred, other sources show his name as Albert A). Assigned to the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in Attleboro. Per his obituary, Fredette had many assignments across the US, the Philippines and Canada. Died in 6/26/2000 in Attleboro MA.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Fr. Stephen R. Furtado

Ordained: 1973
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Pastor of Holy Ghost Parish when placed on leave in 4/02 due to allegations dating back about 20 years. Had worked as a hospital chaplain previously. Name appeared on a list of 21 accused priests. Per list, there was one alleged victim but D.A . had no jurisdiction. Died in 2016. Included in 1/21 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. It notes that his faculties had been removed.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

Sources:

Boston Globe 09.27.02
Boston Herald 09.27.02
Herald News 09.27.02
Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21
Dyer-Lake Funeral Home accessed 04.06.21

Fr. Rene Gaudin

Donate Photo

Order: SSCC
Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Entered order in 1949. Worked in Japan, the Bahamas and Texas. Retired in 1993. Died 6/27/01. Included on a list of accused priests and religious posted by the Law Offices of Mitchell Garabedian on 01/19/11. At least one claim with Boston archdiocese involving allegations against Gaudin. On the Fall River diocese's list in 1/21 of credibly accused.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Fr. John A. Gomes

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Ordained: 1969
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Added in 8/2022 to the diocese's list of credibly accused, for abuse allegedly occurring decades prior. Faculties restricted.

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Fr. Angelo Michael Guarin

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Order: FFI
Ordained: 1998
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Priest of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate (F.F.I.). Named publicly as credibly accused by the Diocese of Fall River on its list in 1/21. Assigned to Our Lady's Chapel in New Bedford. Faculties revoked.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Fr. Hernando Herrera

Ordained: 1998
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Assigned to Our Lady of Mount Carmel when placed on leave in 8/03 due to allegations of "inappropriate conduct" with two minors. Was executive director since 2002 of youth ministries for the Diocese. Had also been part-time chaplain at a high school in Taunton 1999-2002. Included on the diocese's list of credibly accused in 1/21. Noted to have been laicized in 2004.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Fr. Mark R. Hession

Ordained: 1984
Status: Indicted

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Indicted by a grand jury 12/11/2020 on charges of rape and indecent assault of a person under age 14. Hession had been suspended in 3/2019 for "inappropriate communications" to adult parishioners. Included on the diocese's list of accused 1/7/2021. The alleged abuse occurred between 2005 and 2008. Pleaded not guilty 1/11/2021. Trial date set for 10/5/2021. Trial date again set, for 6/6/2024. Found not guilty 6/21/2024 on two counts of the alleged 2005-2008 abuse, and the jury deadlocked on the third count of alleged abuse of a 13-year-old boy in 2002. Retrial scheduled for 2/10/2025.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Fr. Phillip J. Higgins

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Ordained: 1973
Status: Accused

Died: 02/15/2007
Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Name appeared on a list of accused released by the Bristol County MA District Attorney in 9/02; one alleged victim with claims beyond the statute of limitations. Included on the Richmond diocese's list 2/13/19. Worked at parishes in Richmond and Hurt. Removed in 2004. Died in 2007. Included in 1/21 on the Fall River diocese's list of credibly accused. Worked at parishes in Westport, Provincetown and New Bedford. The list notes that his faculties had been removed. Also in residence in the 1980s at St. Thomas Apostle in Washington DC.

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Fr. Robert S. Kaszynski

Ordained: 1960
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Resigned 3/02 after allegations that he had abused at least two teenage girls in the 1960s-1970s. The 9/02 list of Fall River priests accused of sexual misconduct reported that there were four allegations against Kaszynski, all beyond the statute of limitations. Another woman made separate allegations in 5/02. Included in 1/21 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Died 2/7/14.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Fr. Cornelius J. Keliher

Ordained: 1932
Status: Accused

Died: 06/9/1993
Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Retired in 1981. Died 6/9/93. Pastor of St. Mary's in Seekonk 1956-1971, among other assignments. Included on the diocese's list of credibly accused in 1/21.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Fr. Thomas Kocik

Ordained: 1997
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Named publicly as credibly accused of child sexual abuse by the Diocese on its list in 10/2024. Per the Diocese, Kocik had been removed from ministry after a review of older files which revealed allegations of abuse in the 1990s. Kocik is restricted from public ministry. He denied the allegations.

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Fr. Michael J. Kossak

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1987
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Allegedly involved in inappropriate sexual behavior with students at Boston College High School, where he was assigned 1988-1989. Left in 1989 after investigation by the state Dept. of Social Services into allegation of sexual misconduct. Given a warning by DSS. Went on to work at a Weymouth hospital while in residence at a parish. Transferred to parishes in FL, returning to Boston in 1999. Allegations became public in 3/2002. Included on the Jesuits West Province list 12/7/2018. It notes credible claims in 2009 of abuse in 1980. Assigned prior to ordination in 1980 to Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River, MA. Was at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, CA 1984-1988, then returned to the New England Province. Dismissed from the order 8/30/2003. Included in 1/2021 on the Fall River diocese's list of accused.

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Fr. Andrzej Jacek Kozanko

Ordained: 2000
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

From Poland. Parish priest, hospital chaplain. Worked during summers while in seminary as a counselor at Cathedral Camp in East Freetown. Named publicly as credibly accused by the diocese on its list in 1/21. Faculties restricted.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

Sources:

The Anchor 01.07.00
Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

Fr. Daniel W. Lacroix

Ordained: 1988
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Placed on leave in 11/19 pending an investigation into allegations of "misconduct" occurring decades prior. Lacroix denied the allegations. The diocese's review board deemed the allegations credible in 11/20 and recommended Lacroix's permanent removal from ministry. Included on the diocese's list of accused in 1/21. Lacroix filed a defamation suit against Bishop da Chunha on 2/29/21.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Fr. David J. Landry

Ordained: 1987
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Landry's name appears on list released in 9/02 of 21 Fall River diocese priests investigated by the D.A'.s office after allegations of sexual misconduct. List shows one alleged victim, beyond the statute of limitations. Included in 1/21 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. It notes that Landry's faculties had been removed.

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BA.org Assignment Record
Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Fr. Maurice T. Lebel

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1967
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Ordained for the Jesuits. Left the Order in 1991 and became a priest of the Diocese of Portland ME. Retired in 2003. Remained active in ME until he was placed on leave in 6/07 pending an investigation of allegations in the Fall River, MA diocese that he sexually abused a youth in the early 1980s, while still a Jesuit. Reinstated to public ministry in 3/11 after canonical trial found accusations "unproven."

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BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Joseph D. Maguire

Ordained: 1970
Status: Accused

Died: 09/11/2024
Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Diocese of Fall River on its list in 1/2021. Maguire's faculties were removed, and he was laicized in 2007. He died in 9/2024.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Fr. Raymond W. McCarthy

Ordained: 1945
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Name appeared on a list of 21 priests accused of sexual abuse released by the District Attorney in 9/02. Four alleged victims. Transferred to the St. Louis archdiocese in 1972 and died in 2005. Included in 1/21 on the Fall River diocese's list of credibly accused. It notes that his faculties had been removed.

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BA.org Assignment Record
Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Fr. Donald E. Messier

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1968
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Name appeared on a list of 21 priests accused of abuse which the District Attorney released in 9/02. It showed one alleged victim, with claims beyond the statute of limitations Messier left Fall River in 1973 to work in the Providence diocese. Included in 1/21 on the Fall River diocese's list of credibly accused. Faculties noted to be restricted.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Fr. James E. Murphy

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Ordained: 1962
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Name appeared on list of 21 priests accused of abuse which District Attorney released in 9/02. Per the list, there were three alleged victims with claims beyond the SOL. Worked at St. Patrick Church until lhe eft for Lima, Peru, in 1966 for a mission. Upon his return, assigned to St. Mary's in Taunton. Assigned to Archdiocese of Anchorage 1982-92. Included on Anchorage list of credibly accused, with allegations of sexual misconduct with minors 1965-71, which notes laicization in 2012. On Fall River diocese's list in 1/21 of credibly accused. It notes that laicization was in 2006. Murphy died in 2020.

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Fr. Bruce Neylon

Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Pastor of Holy Trinity in 5/19 when suspended due to an allegation he sexually abused a 14- or 15-year-old boy in the early 1980s. Neylon denied the allegation. The diocese deemed it credible. Included on the diocese's list of credibly accused in 1/21, which notes that Neylon's faculties had been removed.

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Fall River List 01.26.21

Sources:

Sun Chronicle 08.04.00
Diocese of Fall River Statement 05.26.19
Boston Channel 25 05.28.19
Wareham Week 01.09.21
Fall River List 04.07.21

Fr. Herbert T. Nichols

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Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Named publicly as accused by the diocese in 1/20. Suspended after a review of personnel files showed an allegation that he abused a minor 20 years prior. Nichols denied the allegation.

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Fr. James R. Nickel

Order: SSCC
Ordained: 1970
Status: Settled

Died: 01/20/2008
Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Worked in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles CA, the Winona MN and Fall River MA Dioceses and the Diocese of Nassau, Bahamas. Went on to Damien Ministries in Washington DC. Died 1/20/2008. Included in 10/2014 on the St. Paul and Minneapolis Archdiocese's list of accused and on the Diocese of Winona-Rochester's list. In 4/2012 attorney Mitchell Garabedian announced the settlement of at least one claim regarding Nickel. Two more lawsuits were filed 12/31/2014, alleging the sexual abuse of boys in the Fall River Diocese, one in the 1970s, the other in the 1980s. The Diocese settled for $880K in 4/2017 with eight men claiming abuse as boys by Nickel. The abuse was said to have occurred on Cape Cod, and on trips to the Bahamas, IL, NY, Washington DC, RI and NH. Included in 1/2021 on the Fall River Diocese's list of credibly accused.

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Fr. William W. Norton

Ordained: 1967
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Named publicly as credibly accused by the diocese on its list 1/7/21. Taught at Bishop Stang High School 1969-71; Director of St. Mary's Home for children in 1970. Died in 2004.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Fr. Thomas E. O’Dea

Ordained: 1960
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

A man came forward in 1993 to allege that he had been molested by O'Dea in the 1960s in a school basement when he was age 12. The man said he was also abused by James Porter when the two priests were assigned to the same parish. Review board unanimously found "insufficient evidence of improper activity." Bishop O'Malley allowed O'Dea to continue in active ministry until his death in 1/99. Included in 1/21 on the diocese's list of accused.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Fr. John W. Pegnam

Ordained: 1960
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Named publicly as credibly accused by the diocese on its list in 1/21. Died in 1996.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

Fr. James R. Porter

Ordained: 1960
Status: Guilty plea

Died: 02/11/2005
Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Laicized in 1974. Married and had four children. Named in multiple civil suits in MA and MN for abuse in the 1960s and early 1970s. Accused of abusing 100s of children in MA, NM, Crookston MN and TX before and after treatment. Found guilty in MN in 1992 of molesting a babysitter. Served 4 months. Conviction overturned by MN Supreme Court. Pleaded guilty in 1993 in MA to abusing 28 children. Sentenced to 18-20 years. Over 100 claims settled. Died in 2/2005 of cancer while awaiting release from prison. A woman filed suit in MN in 6/2013. Name included in 10/2023 on the St. Paul and Minneapolis archdiocese's list of accused. Suit filed in 1/2015 claiming rape of a former NM altar boy; plaintiff also claimed rape by Fr. Bernard Bissonette. On the Santa Fe archdiocese's list 9/12/2017. On Las Vegas diocese's list 4/12/2019. On Las Cruces list 6/24/2019. On Fall River diocese's list in 1/2021. Settlement announced in 10/2023 with a 70-year-old man who claimed abuse, including sodomy, at age 8 in MA by Porter. Included on the Duluth diocese's list in 3/2024, where he was assigned 1969-1970.

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Fr. Justin J. Quinn

Ordained: 1953
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Parish priest, director of Holy Family High School in New Bedford. Also worked at St. Mary's Home for Children where, per his obituary, he was "father figure to many children." Died 6/14/96. Included in 1/21 on the diocese's list of those with substantiated allegations of the sexual abuse of minors.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Fr. Edward A. Rausch

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Ordained: 1954
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Name appeared on list of 21 priests accused of abused released by District Attorney in 9/02. List says there was one alleged victim with claims beyond the SOL. Rausch left the priesthood in 1970 and was aicized in 1971. He married and raised a family. He denied ever having harmed anyone. Included in 1/21 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. Died 5/14/14, age 86.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Fr. Raymond A. Robillard

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Ordained: 1966
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Name appeared on a list of 21 priests accused of abuse released in 9/02 by the District Attorney. The list showed two alleged victims with claims beyond the statute of limitations. In 1995 Robillard left his position as chaplain at Rose Hawthorne Lathrop Home to become assistant diocesan archivist, effective immediately. One 1999 website celebrating the anniversary of a former parish refers to Robillard as "retired." The 2002 Catholic Directory shows him as absent on leave. Included in 1/21 on the diocese's list of credibly accused. It notes that his faculties had been removed.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Fr. William J. Shovelton

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Ordained: 1946
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Retired in 1993. Named publicly as accused by the Fall River diocese on its list of credibly accused in 1/21. Died 1/31/15. Had been living in Lady Lake, FL.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Villages News Obituary 02.05.15
Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

Fr. Gilbert J. Simoes

Ordained: 1961
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Suspended and faculties removed in 3/86 after diocese learned of allegations against him. Absent on leave per 1993 Catholic Directory. Lived in the Falmouth area and worked as a regular substitute teacher at Falmouth High School from 1989 until the 1997-98 school year. School denied any knowledge of his history. Name linked with Jose Avila and Bernard Kelly, other abusers. Six allegations known by 9/02. Included on the diocese's list in 1/21 of credibly accused. Died in 2009.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Fr. Maurice Souza

Ordained: 1939
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Fall River diocese says it first learned of allegations against Souza in 2012. Plaintiff's attorney said he attempted to settle in mediation but efforts fell through. Civil suit filed 1/4/14 in CT accused Souza of abusing two boy, ages 9-17 while assigned to St. Anthony's in East Falmouth 1977-86. He also allegedly would take the boys to various areas of MA and CT for athletic events and abuse them there. Died in 1996 at age 83. Suit also names former Fall River Bishop Cronin for his failure to properly supervise Souza. Suit was not made public until 5/12/14. Settled 1/19. Included on the diocese's list of accused in 1/21 (as Maurice de Souza).

Fr. Kevin F. Tripp

Ordained: 1968
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Tripp's name appeared on a list released by the District Attorney in 9/2002 of 21 priests accused of abuse. The list shows two alleged victims with claims beyond the statute of limitations. Tripp left MA in 1983 to work at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, LA. Per the 1993 Catholic Directory, he was on special assignment with St. Mary's Hospital in the San Francisco archdiocese. San Francisco Faith 2/2003 newsletter shows a Kevin Tripp as executive director of the Marin Interfaith Council in San Rafael, CA. In 4/2020 he appears to be living in Santa Rosa, CA and is no longer presenting as a priest; his Facebook page shows him to be a hospice worker and he has a website touting his services as a wedding officiant. Included in 1/2021 on the Fall River diocese's list of credibly accused. Laicized in 2020.

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Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Fr. Richard J. Wolf

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Order: SJ
Ordained: 1967
Status: Accused

Died: 06/11/1986
Diocese: Diocese of Fall River MA

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Jesuits Northeast Province on its list 1/15/2019, which notes a report in 2005 of abuse occurring at an unknown time. Wolf was assigned 1960-1962 to Cranwell Prep in Lenox MA and to Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River 1969-1986. He died in 1986. Included in 1/2021 on the Fall River diocese's list of accused.

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