YOUNGSTOWN (OH)
Canton Repository [Canton OH]
July 1, 2024
YOUNGSTOWN − A Catholic priest under investigation since 2018 has been cleared of accusations of sexual abuse.
The Very Rev. William Lawrence, provincial superior of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter, has reported to the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown that an independent review board found no sufficient evidence to proceed with criminal action in the matter of accusations against the Rev. Denis Bouchard.
A former pastor of Queen of the Holy Rosary parish in Vienna, Ohio, Bouchard was placed on leave in 2018 after a man accused Bouchard of sexual abuse when he was a child.
The board rendered a verdict in Bouchard’s favor on the claims for civil assault, civil battery andintentional infliction of emotional distress.
The investigation is now closed and Bouchard is no longer on administrative leave. He will return to his provincial headquarters and receive a new assignment.