Diocese of Providence RI - BishopAccountability.org

60 Accused in This Diocese

Fr. Joseph A. Abruzzese

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Ordained: 1990
Status: Convicted

Placed on leave 12/1/93. Pled no contest in 1994 to second-degree sexual assault for grabbing and fondling a 16-year- old boy in a local park. Sentenced to 5 years probation and counseling. Shown as Absent on Leave in the 1995 -2002 Official Catholic Directories. Not listed after 2002. On the diocese's list 7/1/19 (name misspelled Abbruzzese).

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Fr. John C. Allard

Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Msgr. Allard was removed 2/25/13 from positions at St Agatha and Precious Blood parishes and the Father Marot CYO Center after allegation that he sexually assaulted a minor boy in 1981 while assigned to Immaculate Conception in Cranston. He was at that parish 1975-1984. The diocese stated that Allard admitted the abuse and expressed profound remorse for the harm he caused. No criminal charges due to the statute of limitations. Died 4/27/18. On diocese's list 7/1/19.

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Holts Sons Funeral Home Obit

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Fr. Daniel M. Azzarone, Jr.

Ordained: 1978
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Complaints received as early as 1985, 1992 and 1998-1999. Placed on leave 11/01 after accused of abusing a 15-year-old boy on a Caribbean cruise in 11/00. Abuse continued until 2001, often in rectory. Another youth also accused him of abuse. Pled no contest to two counts of first-degree sexual assault 9/05. Sentenced to 3 years prison and 7 years probation. Named in a 2005 civil suit; settled 8/08 as part of $1.326M settlement by Providence diocese. Laicized 6/12/09, announced 2/10. On diocese's list 7/1/19.

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Fr. Roger E. Belhumeur

Ordained: 1961
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 7/1/19. Died 9/28/10. Allegation(s) received after his death.

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Diocese of Providence Assignment Record

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RI Catholic Obituary 10.06.10
Diocese of Providence List 07.01.19

Fr. Ronald E. Brassard

Ordained: 1974
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Accused of abuse in a 1995 lawsuit. Plaintiff claimed he was age 13 and a student at St. Henry's Seminary in IL in the 1970s when the abuse began, and that several other priests also abused him. The diocese said that, due to inconsistencies, Brassard would remain in active ministry pending further investigation. He continued as pastor of Immaculate Conception in Cranston, RI and was appointed pastor of St. Mark's in Jamestown in 2015.

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BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Dennis Brodeur

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Ordained: 1977
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 7/1/19. Died 1/1/04. Allegation(s) received after his death.

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Diocese of Providence Assignment Record

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Diocese of Providence List 07.01.19

Fr. James D. Campbell

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Order: MSC
Ordained: 1972
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Assigned to a parish in West Warwick, RI and Rhode Island Medical Center 7/1975 -11/1977. Placed on leave by Order in 2002 after allegations of abuse of a boy in Worcester, MA. Indicted in 9/2003. Convicted in 2004 of abuse of two teens, one a girl. Sentenced in 1/2005 to 90 days in house of correction and 10 years probation. Laicization announced in 3/2005. On Diocese of Rockford's list 11/14/2018. Died in 2007. On Providence diocese's list 7/1/2019. Also included on the the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart USA list of credibly accused. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General's Report.

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Fr. Robert A. Carpentier

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Ordained: 1967
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Removed in 1992 after a man filed a civil suit alleging abuse at age 13 in 1973-1974. Questions in case about statute of limitations referred to R.I. Supreme Court, which ruled against plaintiffs. (See 1996 R.I. Lexis187, 7/11/96.) Claims against this priest were settled 9/02 as part of a $13.5M mass settlement involving 36 victims of priest abuse in the Providence diocese. Died 5/9/12.

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Fr. Paul Charland

Ordained: 1945
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 7/1/19. Removed from ministry 8/26/11.

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Diocese of Providence Assignment Record

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Diocese of Providence List 07.01.19

Fr. Geoffrey Chase

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Order: OSB
Ordained: 1959
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Started work at Portsmouth Abbey School in 1960. In 11/16 the school reached out to alumni regarding past sex abuse, hiring a law firm to investigate. Learned that Chase was housemaster of dorm in mid-1960s. Taught math and later computer science until 2002 when he was "sent away" to treatment and then long-term care, due to past sexual abuse of a student. He admitted to abuse of 3 others at the time in early 1970s-early 1980s. In his late 80's and ill in 8/17.

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Br. Peter Claver

Order: SC
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Took final vows in 1923. Worked as a teacher and administrator in schools of the Sacred Heart Brothers in New England and Canada. Became superior of Sacred Heart School in Andover, MA in 1970. Died in 4/75. In 4/12, attorney Mitchell Garabedian announced settlement of at least one claim of abuse regarding Claver, of abuse at a school in Rhode Island.

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BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Joseph D’Angelo

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Ordained: 1947
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Name included in the diocese's 9/02 $13.5M mass settlement of 36 sexual abuse lawsuits alleging abuse by 11 priests and a nun. Bishop Gelineau swore under oath that D'Angelo's faculties were suspended on 7/1/83. On diocese's list 7/1/19.

Assignments:

Diocese of Providence Assignment Record
BA.org Assignment Record

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Providence Journal-Bulletin 09.10.02
Diocese of Providence List 07.01.19

Fr. Anthony A. DeAngelis

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Ordained: 1935
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

A woman notified the diocese 2/14/94 that she had been sexually abused by DeAngelis repeatedly 1957-65, beginning when she was age 5 and attending the parish school. On 6/17/94 she also wrote to Bishop Gelineau about the abuse. DeAngelis was pastor and a senior diocesan official, named monsignor during the period of the alleged abuse. Died 1/24/90. Diocese paid $12.5K to the survivor 4/4/96, for therapy costs. She did not sign a confidentiality agreement. On diocese's list 7/1/19.

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Fr. Normand J. Demers

Ordained: 1958
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Providence priest. Founded an orphanage and school in Haiti. In 1989 boys at the orphanage complained about inappropriate touch and explicit sexual references. Arrested in Haiti. Haitian authorities apparently said behavior "inappropriate" but nothing else. Released from jail. Assigned by Providence Bishop Gelineau to a parish in the diocese. Removed in 2002, accused of sexually abusing a boy, ages 12-14, about 35 years prior. Absent on Leave 2002-2005. Retired in 2005. Died 7/21/2018. In 9/2019 a 50-year-old man stated publicly that Demers abused him at age 7 or 8 at St. Joseph's. He sued 2/27/2020; said he saw boys at the rectory brought by Demers from Haiti and Central America. The suit also claims that Demers trafficked boys as early as the 1970s through his charities, and had parties in the rectory with some boys wearing diapers and made to pose for "sexually suggestive" photos. Dismissed in 10/2020, the judge ruling that church leadership cannot be labeled "perpetrators." The RI Supreme Court affirmed the ruling in 6/2023.

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RI Supreme Court Ruling 06.30.23

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Fr. Alfred R. Desrosiers

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Ordained: 1961
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Accused of molesting a 15-year-old girl in 1972 and another in 1975-76 in two separate civil suits filed in 1994. Criminal trial was scheduled for Fall 1997 but portions were appealed to RI Supreme Court as of 4/98. Claims were settled in 9/02 as part of $13.5M mass settlement involving 36 victims of priest abuse in the Providence diocese and allegations against 11 priests and a nun. Died 2/15/01.

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Fr. Paul Desrosiers

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Ordained: 1940
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Name added in 2019 to the diocese's list of those credibly accused of abuse of a minor. Parish priest; member of Diocesan Tribunal 1959-68; leave of absence 1/12/73 - 8/6/73. Desrosiers died at age 71 in 1984 from injuries suffered in a bus crash during a trip to Granada, Spain.

Sources:

Providence Journal 09.16.19

Fr. Louis M. Diogo

Ordained: 1946
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Retired and moved out of state 1993 after his cousin told diocese he had abused her and her sister in the 1950s and 1960s. Not charged criminally but diocese found the woman to be credible. In 2005 diocese learned from the woman that he had returned to Rhode Island and was saying mass. Diocese immediately told him that he could not say mass or function as a priest. Died 4/4/15. On diocese's list 7/1/19.

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Fr. Charles Dolan

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Ordained: 1930
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 7/1/19. Died 11/5/77. Allegation(s) received after his death.

Sources:

Diocese of Providence List 07.01.19

Fr. Louis Ward Dunn

Ordained: 1947
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Placed on leave in 1994 after a woman made a complaint to the bishop of sexual misconduct toward her by Dunn when she was a minor. Suit filed in 1995. Tried on two separate rape allegations; one dismissed. Convicted in second. Received a 10-year suspended sentence. At least two other suits filed. Died 4/18/01. Some claims settled in 2002. One of the original complainants did not settle; she carried her case all the way to the RI Supreme Court, which dismissed it in 2/08. Appealed to US Supreme Court. On the diocese's list 7/1/19.

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Fr. Oscar Ferland

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Ordained: 1944
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 7/1/19. Died 7/8/98. Allegation(s) received after his death.

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Diocese of Providence Assignment Record

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Diocese of Providence List 07.01.19

Fr. John F. Ferry

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Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Died 4/11/88. A man accused Ferry, then an editor of the diocesan newspaper, of drugging and abusing him in the late 1960s when accuser was a high school student working at the paper. The man wrote to the diocese at some point; his letter, along with complaints from more than 35 other alleged clergy abuse victims, were forwarded to police. Information was not released to public until 11/13, after an NBC 10 investigation. Accuser had correspondence from the diocese. On diocese's list 7/1/19.

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Diocese of Providence Assignment Record

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NBC 10 11.29.13
Diocese of Providence List 07.01.19

Fr. Kevin R. Fisette

Ordained: 1981
Status: Indicted

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Placed on leave and resigned from his Pawtucket parish in In 8/09, after a 3/09 complaint of sexual abuse of a boy 1981-82. State police found allegations to be credible. No criminal charges due to the statute of limitations. On diocese's list 7/1/19. Fired from his job at Goodwill after his name appeared on the list. Indicted 5/25/22 by the Statewide Grand Jury, charged with one count of first-degree sexual assault allegedly occurring in Burrillville between 1/1/81 and 12/31/82. Fisette was a deacon at Our Lady of Victory in Hopkinton and chaplain at RI Hospital during the time in question. He was ordained for the priesthood 11/21/81.

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Diocese of Providence Assignment Record

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Fr. Edmund Fitzgerald

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Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 7/1/19. Removed from ministry 8/27/98. A man told the diocese in 1998 that Fitzgerald sexually abused him over several years in the 1960s, beginning when the man was an 8-year-old altar boy. Faculties removed in 2002. Years later, in the 2010s, the man's brother also alleged abuse as a boy by Fitzgerald, at age 9.

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Diocese of Providence Assignment Record

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Diocese of Providence List 07.01.19
Providence Journal 11.27.19

Deacon Laurence Gagnon

Status: Charged

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Deacon at St. Joseph's in West Warwick and teacher at its school. Allowed to resign in 6/11 after he was accused of inappropriately touching at least three young boys. Arrested in 8/11, charged with three counts of second degree child molestation. Released on bail. He "admitted to the facts of the case." On the diocese's list 7/1/19.

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Diocese of Providence Assignment Record

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Fr. William Gillooly

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Ordained: 1944
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 7/1/19. Died 9/2/89. Allegation(s) received after Gillooly's death.

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Diocese of Providence Assignment Record

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Diocese of Providence List 07.01.19

Fr. Bede Gorman

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Order: OSB
Ordained: 1944
Status: Accused

Died: 05/8/1985
Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

"Fr. Bede." Spent entire career at Portsmouth Abbey School as teacher, coach, athletic director, Housemaster of a dorm called "The Barn." Died in 1985. In 11/16 the school reached out to alumni regarding past sex abuse, hiring a law firm to investigate. Four allegations deemed credible surfaced of abuse of students during the 1950s until 1972, when the school no longer had boarders. One former student had come forward in 1993 re early 1960s abuse; an Abbot Matthew revealed he'd received a complaint from a parent in the early 1970s re Fr. Bede's behavior with her son, which Fr. Bede acknowledged. Gorman also said to have disciplined students with "bare-bottomed spanking." Abbott Matthew said he'd heard early in his career that Fr. Bede "did things with boys."

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Fr. Timothy J. Gorton

Ordained: 1982
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Removed from assignment at Precious Blood Parish in Woonsocket 4/12 after allegation of misconduct about 30 years previously. His nephew came forward in 1/12 to allege abuse at age 12 by Gorton in 1983. Per diocese, Gorton retired without privileges for health reasons, and due to the Review Board's findings that the allegations were credible.

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Diocese of Providence Assignment Record

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Fr. Richard Holden

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Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 7/1/19. Died 3/23/85. Allegation(s) received after his death.

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Diocese of Providence Assignment Record

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Diocese of Providence List 07.01.19

Fr. James W. Jackson

Order: FSSP
Ordained: 1985
Status: Guilty plea

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Arrested 10/30/2021 after R.I. State Police discovered that an internet connection from St. Mary's rectory was connected to child pornography sharing. Police discovered a large amount of child sexual abuse material they determined belonged to Jackson, including images and videos of prepubescent girls, infants and toddlers engaging in sex acts. Jackson had been the parish pastor since 8/2021. He was previously pastor of parish in Littleton CO. He pleaded not guilty 12/21/2021 to federal charges related to distributing, possessing and accessing child pornography. Jackson was allowed to go live with a relative in Kansas, with electronic monitoring, while awaiting adjudication of the charges. Arrested in 6/2022 in Leawood KS for child porn possession due to activity on his computer detected 5/2022-6/2022. In 10/2022 he was in custody of the U.S. Marshals at a detention facility in R.I. In a 10/3/2022 hearing Jackson admitted the government could prove he accessed child pornography while on pretrial release. Pleaded guilty in 6/2023 to receiving child pornography, in exchange for the dismissal of the possession charge. Sentenced in 12/2023 to six years in prison, five years of federal supervised release, and funds to victims of child pornography and trafficking. Included on the Scranton diocese's list of credibly accused.

Fr. Edward J. Kelley

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Ordained: 1968
Status: Indicted

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Arrested in 5/21 in SC for the alleged sexual assault of a boy in 1983 in North Smithfield RI. In 7/21 Kelley was reportedly being held at Eleanor Slater Hospital in RI, where he was to be evaluated. Kelley's accuser said he lived in rectories with Kelley as a boy in the 1980s, that it had been reported to diocesan officials, but that he continued living with Kelley. Further, he said another boy who was "close" to Kelley as a boy died by suicide in adulthood. Kelley resigned from St. Aidan's in Cumberland in 1992 because of "divisiveness" in the parish over his "leadership style." He left RI in 1993 and became a US Army chaplain. He was removed from ministry in Charleston SC in 2015 due to a relationship with an adult woman. Ruled incompetent to stand trial in 2/22, due to advanced dementia.

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Fr. Michael V. LaMountain

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Ordained: 1976
Status: Convicted

Died: 08/25/2010
Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Pastor of St. John's in West Warwick RI when suspended in 3/1995 after an allegation. Indicted in 10/1997 on criminal charges that he molested five boys from the 1970s-1990s. Pleaded guilty in 1/1999 to nine counts. Sentenced to nine 12-year suspended sentences, to run concurrently. At least two civil suits were filed in 12/1995. Claims settled in 9/2002 as part of a $13.5M mass settlement involving 36 victims and the diocese. Seminary student in Baltimore 1972-1976. Accused in 2001 of abusing a 7th or 8th grade boy in Baltimore between 1972-1974. The victim reported the abuse to police in 1993, but LaMountain was not charged. The mother of another boy reported in 2002 that her son, who was deceased by 2002, "spent time" at age 14 with LaMountain and later accused seminarian Vernon Dahmen in the mid-1970s. This boy had been named by the previous accuser as a possible victim. Included on the Baltimore archdiocese's list of accused in 9/2002. Died 8/25/2010. On the Providence diocese's list 7/1/2019. Included in the 4/5/2023 MD Attorney General's Report.

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Fr. Paul Henry Leech

Ordained: 1980
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Removed from ministry 5/4/84. Convicted of molesting 3-4 boys 1982-1984. Sentenced in 1985 to 86 years in prison, but ordered to serve 3 years and then 12 years probation. In 1994 a civil suit was filed on behalf of one youth. Per the suit, prior to 1980, Leech was known to the bishop to have a habit of making advances on young boys. Another suit may have been filed in 1985. On diocese's list 7/1/19. Said in 2020 to be living in Rochester, NY.

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Fr. Roland M. Lepire

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Ordained: 1975
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Suit filed 2/96 alleged that Lepire abused a young man on several occasions in 1978. Suit also claimed that the pastor of the church helped to cover it up. Claims against Lepire were settled 9/02 as part of $13.5M mass settlement involving 36 victims of priest abuse in Providence Diocese. The 2002 Catholic Directory shows him "absent on leave." Another suit filed 2003 alleged abuse in early 1980s; settled 8/08 as part of $1.326M settlement by Providence Diocese. Laicized in 2004.

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Fr. Philip A. Magaldi

Ordained: 1960
Status: Settled

Died: 08/12/2008
Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Magaldi left Providence in 1988 after claims of financial mismanagement. Accepted into the Ft. Worth diocese by Bishop Delaney in 1990. Pleaded guilty in 1992 to embezzlement in Rhode Island, returned to ministry in Ft. Worth after eight months. Allegation in Ft. Worth in 1997 by a young man that Magaldi would pay him to give him enemas. Still active until 1999, after an allegation that he raped a boy and paid the boy to give him enemas in the 1970s, while Magaldi was assigned in Rhode Island. The plaintiff died in 10/2000; suit dismissed. Retired. HIV positive. Laicization requested; died in 8/2008. Another claim settled 8/21/2012 in Ft. Worth. A lawsuit filed against in 9/2019 claimed abuse of a boy, ages 12-17, in the late 1970s-early 1980s, while Magaldi was pastor of St. Anthony's in Providence. Suit dismissed, the judge ruling that church leadership cannot be labeled "perpetrators." The RI Supreme Court affirmed the ruling in 6/2023. The plaintiff also filed suit NY in 10/2020 claiming Magaldi sexually abused him during a trip to NYC in 1983. Dismissed.

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Documents:

RI Supreme Court Ruling 06.30.23

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Fr. Robert A. Marcantonio

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Ordained: 1967
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Bishop Reilly knew in 1970 that Marcantonio had molested several 12- to 14-year-old boys. Sent to Ames, IA in 1970 for treatment. Allowed ministry there in the Archdiocese of Dubuque. Allegedly abused in IA. Moved to Fall River, MA and Providence dioceses 1975. Removed from ministry 8/16/89. Civil suit filed 1991 in IA; settled by 1994. Six suits filed in 1993 and one in 1994 in RI. Some claims included in 9/02 settlement with the Providence diocese. Died 10/20/99. One claim settled 8/08 as part of $1.326M settlement by the Providence diocese. Cited in 11/08 RICO suit. On the Providence diocese's list 7/1/19

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Fr. Daniel McCallion

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Order: LC
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Accused in a federal lawsuit filed in 4/21 of sexually abusing a girl, age 13, in the 1990s while she was a student at the Legionaries Immaculate Conception Academy in Rhode Island. Per the suit, the girl was abused during confession.

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Union Leader 04.29.21

Fr. Robert J. McIntyre

Ordained: 1963
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

At least two civil suits in 1992 and 1993 named McIntyre as responsible for covering up abuse at RI Catholic orphanage St. Aloysius Home, where he was director, and conspiring to prevent proper reporting procedures. One man alleges that McIntyre also participated in his abuse. Civil trial in 1999; jury found no evidence to support charges. On diocese's list 7/1/19. It notes that McIntyre was removed from ministry 3/30/94.

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Fr. Barry Meehan

Ordained: 1978
Status: Arrested

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Meehan worked in parishes in West Warwick, Cranston, and Providence. In 12/12 a man reported to the diocese that Meehan had sexually assaulted him between 1986 and 1991, when the man was a teenage boy. State Police were notified; during their investigation a second accuser was discovered who said Meehan sexually abused him when he was a teenager in 1991 and 1992. Meehan was placed on leave in 1/13. He denied the allegations. In 11/14 he was arrested and charged with five counts of first degree sexual assault; he pleaded not guilty. Meehan was laicized May 7, 2015. Died of a heart attack 12/8/16, age 67, while awaiting trial. On the diocese's list 7/1/19.

Fr. Richard L. Meglio

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Ordained: 1972
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Removed from ministry 4/22/88. A man filed civil suit accusing Meglio of molesting him as a minor in the 1970s when, Meglio was assigned to Our Lady of Grace in Johnston, and accuser was hospitalized for "psychological problems." Abuse continued after accuser was released from hospital. Suit settled 2002 as part of $13.5 mil mass settlement. On diocese's list 7/1/19.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record
Diocese of Providence Assignment Record

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Fr. Adrian Menard

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Ordained: 1946
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 7/1/19. Died 2/1/76. Allegation(s) received after his death.

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Diocese of Providence Assignment Record

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Diocese of Providence List 07.01.19

Fr. Edmund C. Micarelli

Ordained: 1959
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Removed from ministry 4/17/90. A civil suit filed 1993 and six filed in 1995 alleged that Micarelli abused at least seven boys, one for seven years. Suits claim Bishop Gelineau and Auxiliary Bishop Angell knew of Micarelli's behavior prior to 1962. Claims against MIcarelli were settled in 9/02 as part of a $13.5M settlement involving 36 victims. Per 2007 article Micarelli was living in Florida and "cannot function as a priest." A 2012 article references his involvement in the Boy Scouts and his cover-up of at least one abuser. On the diocese's list 7/1/19.

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Fr. William C. O’Connell

Ordained: 1950
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Assigned to four parishes in three years, then became a Navy chaplain 1953-58. Resigned to avoid court martial for "criminal homosexual contact." Reassigned in Providence. Abuse of three boys 1965-72 alleged in suit settled 6/11/93 and 10/31/94 RICO suit. Pled guilty to abuse of three boys 1972-85; sentenced 6/23/86 to five years, four suspended. Sent to St. Luke's for treatment. Retired 1986 to Camden. Pled guilty 12/19/94 to sexual assault and making child porn; got ten years 2/95. Other suits part of 9/9/02 and 3/03 settlements. Died 5/12/96. On the diocese's list 7/1/19.

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Fr. William O’Neill

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Ordained: 1968
Status: Accused

Died: 05/3/2000
Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 7/1/19. Left ministry 7/10/71. Died 5/3/00. Allegation(s) received after his death.

Assignments:

Diocese of Providence Assignment Record

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Diocese of Providence List 07.01.19

Fr. John N. Petrocelli

Ordained: 1971
Status: Charged

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Removed from ministry 8/22/2002. Accused in a lawsuit of abuse of a boy in the late 1980s. Court denied the Diocese's Motion to Dismiss Negligence Claims on 9/20/2007. Claim settled in 8/2008 as part of a $1.326M settlement by the Diocese. On the Diocese's list 7/1/2019. In 10/2020 a lawsuit against the diocese by a man alleging abuse as a boy by Petrocelli was dismissed, the judge ruling that church leadership cannot be labeled "perpetrators." The RI Supreme Court affirmed the ruling in 6/2023. Petrocelli was indicted 11/2/2020 by a statewide grand jury on charges of abuse of three young boys, occurring 11/1981-10/1990 while assigned to Holy Family in Woonsocket. Pleaded not guilty.

Fr. Hugh Rafferty

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Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 7/1/19. Removed from ministry 11/1/74. Died 1/11/01. Allegation(s) received after his death. Included in 3/21 on the Rockville Centre diocese's list of accused, noted alleged abuse at St. Aidan's in Williston Park, where he was assigned 1/69-6/71.

Assignments:

Diocese of Providence Assignment Record
Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

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Diocese of Providence List 07.01.19
Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. William Raiche

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Ordained: 1932
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 7/1/19. Died 3/26/83. Allegation(s) received after his death.

Assignments:

Diocese of Providence Assignment Record

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Diocese of Providence List 07.01.19

Fr. Guertin Rene

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Ordained: 1946
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 7/1/19. Died 1/23/82. Allegation(s) received after his death.

Assignments:

Diocese of Providence Assignment Record

Sources:

Diocese of Providence List 07.01.19

Fr. Joseph James Rocha

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Order: OP
Ordained: 1966
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Worked in dioceses/archdioceses of Washington DC, Boston, Nashville, Providence. Left priesthood 1986, laicized 1988. Per 9/01 article, pled guilty to 1999 sexual assault of a 21-year-old mentally disabled man; sentenced to 10 years probation, counseling. Ordered to register as sex offender. Died in 2009. Included on Attorney Garabedian's list 3/28/16 of accused clerics named in civil claims resulting in settlements or arbitration awards. Settlement with Order 11/15 re alleged abuse of minor 1968-69 at St. Stephen's Priory in Dover MA. On Dominican Province of St. Joseph's list in late 2018. On Providence diocese's list 7/1/19.

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Deacon Edward J. Sadowski, Jr.

Ordained: 1979
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Deacon. Arrested in MA in 2001 after arranging over the internet to meet someone he thought was a 14-year-old girl. He wanted sex and to take pornographic photos of the girl. He also sent nude photos of himself. Diocese immediately placed him on leave. Sentenced 2002 to two years in prison and five years probation. Also arrested in RI on similar charges. Arrested again in RI 12/09 on internet solicitation and child porn. Convicted 5/10. In Prison 2/11. Case referred to Vatican. On diocese's list 7/1/19.

Assignments:

Diocese of Providence Assignment Record

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Fr. Francis C. Santilli

Ordained: 1980
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Placed on leave in 2/2022 due to an allegation of the sexual abuse of a minor in 1979 or 1980. Pastor of St. Philip in Greenville since 2010 when suspended. Per the Diocese, it received an allegation on 12/29/2021 against a priest currently active in the diocese, without naming him. State police investigated and interviewed the alleged victim, who named Santilli, then informed the Diocese 2/2/2022. Unable to criminally prosecute due to the statute of limitations. The Diocese had received reports of the sexual abuse of minors by Santilli twice before: in 2012 a man alleged abuse as a young altar in the early 1980s, and said Santilli also molested his brother; in 2014 a man alleged abused by Santilli as an altar boy, age 10, in 1980 at Our Lady of Lourdes in Providence. One alleged victim is known to have died by suicide. The Diocesan Review Board determined that both the 2012 and 2014 allegations lacked credibility, and Santilli was kept in ministry. Lawsuit filed in 5/2022.

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Fr. Peter Scagnelli

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 7/1/19. Removed from ministry 1/1/94. Died 7/12/17.

Assignments:

Diocese of Providence Assignment Record

Sources:

Diocese of Providence List 07.01.19

Fr. James M. Silva

Ordained: 1967
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Removed from ministry 3/1/1993. Two men filed suit in 1994. Seven more men filed civil suits alleging they were abused as children by Silva in the 1960s-1980s. Criminal charges were also filed in 1994. Silva admitted in court that he sexually abused a young man. Received a 7-year suspended sentence and was ordered to undergo counseling. Eight claims were settled by the diocese as part of a $13.5M mass settlement in 9/2002 (one may have settled earlier). Multiple transfers after initial notice. Included on the Providence diocese's list 7/1/2019. On the Santa Fe archdiocese's list 5/19/2021, whcih notes he was at Via Coeli in Jemez Springs in 1981 and at a Jemez Springs parish. Indicted in 11/2021 on charges of abuse of a boy under the age of 14 1989-1990, after an investigation by the A.G. and RI State Police.

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Sister Mary Claudine

Donate Photo

Order: RSM
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Name included in Diocese's 9/02 $13.5M mass settlement in 36 sexual abuse lawsuits alleging abuse by 11 priests and a nun.

Sources:

Providence Journal-Bulletin 09.10.02

Fr. Brendan Smyth

Order: OPraem
Ordained: 1951
Status: Convicted

Died: 08/22/1997
Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

From Ireland. Full name John Gerard Brendan Smyth. Worked in RI, ND and MA in the US. Likely abused over 50 boys and girls, in Ireland and the US. Sentenced to four years in jail in Ireland in 1995 on 17 counts of assaulting five girls and four boys 1964-1988. Sentenced in 7/1997 to 12 years for abusing 20 boys and girls. Died in prison in 8/1997. Two people sued Smyth's order in 6/2010. Settlements 1998-1999 to three Dublin relatives who sued the Kilmore bishop after finding the Diocese knew Smyth abused children prior to his abusing them. Denied by a court of appeals in 11/2015; appealed in 2/2016. Lawsuit filed in 6/2008 in Providence RI claiming abuse in 1968 of a boy and girl; dismissed due to the statute of limitations. In 9/2016 one of the two filed a complaint with the RI State Ethics Commission against Supreme Court judge Francis X. Flaherty, who oversaw the ruling; Flaherty had not disclosed his leadership role with a Catholic nonprofit. The Commission ruled "probable cause" in 4/2017. Included on the Providence diocese's list of credibly accused 7/1/2019. On the Fargo diocese's list 1/2/2020.

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Fr. William Tanguay

Ordained: 1969
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list 7/1/2019. Removed from ministry 6/17/2002. Accused of abuse in RI 1965-1981. Also worked in Minneapolis, MN and the Diocese of Charlotte.

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Fr. Peter L. Tedeschi

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1960
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

In testimony before the RI Senate Judiciary Committee in 3/19, a 73-year-old woman said Tedeschi sexually abused her for over a year, when she was in middle school and Tedeschi was assigned to Holy Trinity in Central Falls. She said her family lived across the street from the parish and that the abuse occurred in the sanctuary, rectory, his car, and in school hallways. She said it continued after he left Holy Trinity and she was a Sacred Heart High School student. Further, she allegedly told another priest during confession when she was 15, and he told her never to tell. She said she confronted Tedeschi when she was age 22, and he admitted his behavior. She also said she told the diocese. She again informed the diocese in 2012, and they contacted law enforcement. Tedeschi died 10/18/86. On the diocese's list 7/1/19.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record
Diocese of Providence Assignment Record

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Fr. John Tormey

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1967
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list 7/1/19. Noted to have resigned from ministry 3/2/79. Allegation reported to the diocese in 2003. Tormey denied the allegations. In 12/18 he filed a defamation suit against the diocese and Bishop Tobin.

Assignments:

Diocese of Providence Assignment Record

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Fr. Biagio Samuel Turillo

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1946
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Diocese announced 6/30/16 that Turiilo, age 96, was "prohibited from exercising the sacred ministry" due to a credible allegation against him of sexual misconduct of a minor. The "misconduct" was alleged to have occurred about 60 years previously. He was assigned to Holy Angels in Barrington 1954-62. Turillo retired in 1994. On the diocese's list 7/1/19.

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Fr. Armand Ventre

Ordained: 1957
Status: Acquitted

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Assigned to our Lady of Good Help Parish 1980-1985. Indicted 8/85 for sexually molesting two altar boys and one mentally handicapped youth 1981-1984. In 1986 the judge dismissed the charges concerning the two altar boys; the following day the judge found Ventre not guilty of abuse of the third boy in a non-jury trial. Returned to active assignment as chaplain at VA Hospital, and then another hospital. Retired 1/99. Died 12/27/99. On the diocese's list 7/1/19. It notes only that he was removed from ministry 7/5/85.

Assignments:

Diocese of Providence Assignment Record

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Br. John M. Walderman

Order: CFC
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Assigned to Blessed Sacrament High School in NYC 1971-76, then Bishop Kearney High School in Rochester NY 1977-82. Principal of Bishop Hendricken High School in Warwick, RI 1/1/86 when arrested and indicted for soliciting sex from a male minor. Charge dropped in 1987. Transferred to Cardinal Hayes High School in Bronx NY 1987-91, then to Rice High School in Harlem NY 1991-2001. Assigned to Edmund Rice Institute in Australia 2001-2005, then back to Rice High in Harlem. Was principal of Rice until Order received a letter about his 1986 arrest.

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Our Database of Publicly Accused does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.