Fr. Joseph Marcel Lessard
Admitted in 1986 to sexually abusing a 13-year-old Phoenix boy. Two felony charges were reduced to misdemeanors in a plea bargain after Bishop O’Brien wrote to the judge requesting leniency because Lessard was remorseful. Sentence was three years probation and a $100 fine. Continued to work as priest, including time as a hospital chaplain in the Rockford IL diocese while residing and helping out at a nearby parish. Removed from ministry by the hospital and Rockford diocese in 2/2001. Removed from ministry by the Phoenix diocese 2002. Phoenix settled the civil case in 2006 for $50K. Living in Thailand per 11/2006 article. On Rockford diocese’s list 11/14/2018. Added to the Phoenix diocese’s list 10/29/2019. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General’s Report.
- Phoenix New Times 10.25.89
- Arizona Republic 06.22.02
- Arizona Republic 11.10.02
- Arizona Republic 06.03.03
- Phoenix New Times 06.19.03
- Arizona Republic 08.08.03
- Arizona Republic 01.26.06
- Arizona Republic 11.10.06
- Arizona Republic 02.27.10
- Diocese of Rockford List 11.14.18
- Diocese of Phoenix List 10.29.19
- IL Attorney General’s Report 05.23.23
Sources:
Return to main database page. See abbreviations and posting policy. Send corrections.
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.