Fr. Paul R. Shanley

Ordained: 1960
Status: Convicted

Died: 10/28/2020
Diocese: Archdiocese of Boston MA

Involuntarily laicized in 2004. Convicted in 2005 of sexually abusing a young boy in the 1980s. Dozens of complaints; many settlements. Abuse included oral and anal rape. Reportedly abused boys, girls and adults. First complaint in 1961 from parents of a 12-year-old boy. Earliest complaint in file in 1967 from priest alleging Shanley abused a 16-year-old boy. Shanley denied abuse and was assigned to parish work, special ministries, and parish work again until 1989. Transferred to NY and San Bernardino CA, where he was accused of abusing a 17-year-old boy. Sentenced in 2005 to 12-15 years in prison. Named included in 8/2011 on the Boston archdiocese’s list. Released from prison 7/28/2017 on probation; ordered no have no contact with children under age 16. Not required to wear a GPS bracelet. Ordered to register as level 3 sex offender. Moved to a Ware MA apartment. On San Bernardino diocese’s list 10/9/2018. Died 10/28/2020, age 89.

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.