Deacon Lawrence Bell

Accused in a 10/2023 lawsuit of sexually abusing a boy in the 1990s at St. Martin of Tours in Gaithersburg, MD. Bell’s accuser also alleged abuse at the parish by Msgr. Michael Mellone. Suspended pending investigation. In 7/2024 Cardinal Gregory announced that there was no evidence that the alleged abuse occurred and that Both Bell and Mellone would be returned to ministry.


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