Fr. Ronald Chiasson
In later 2018 a man told the PA A.G. that Chaisson sexually abused him beginning when he was a 12-year-old altar boy at St. Margaret Mary in Harrisburg in the 1970s. He said the priest groomed him with gifts and special attention and that the abuse occurred over a three-year period, in the rectory and on a road trip to Novia Scotia. He said Chiasson rubbed his body with oil, plied him with alcohol, possibly drugged him, and took photos of him nude. Chaisson died in 4/22/99. Per his obituary, Chaisson was “heavily involved in youth ministry” at St. William’s in Tewksbury, MA 1980-85, was a Navy chaplain 1987-90 and, for eight years until his death, was chaplain at Donovan State Prison in San Diego, CA. He was also assigned to Most Precious Blood parish in Chula Vista. Included on the Harrisburg diocese’s list in 4/20.
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.