Fr. Richard Degagne
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.
- NBC 10 11.03.19
- South Coast Today 11.12.19
- Sun Chronicle 01.07.21
- Standard-Times 01.14.21
- Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21
- Diocese of Fall River 12.20.21
- Patriot Ledger 12.13.21
- The Sun Chronicle 12.13.21
- WJAR 12.14.21
- Standard-Times 08.26.22
- Boston Globe 08.26.22
- Standard-Times – SouthCoast Today 05.09.23
- Sun Chronicle 05.17.23
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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.