Fr. Richard Roger Lavigne

Ordained: 1966
Status: Convicted

Died: 05/21/2021
Diocese: Diocese of Springfield MA

Arrested and charged in 1991, accused of abuse of 5 boys. Convicted in 1992 of assaulting 2 boys; sentenced to jail time of 4-6 years, suspended; 10 years probation. In 1993, 11 new accusers surfaced, a day after Lavigne was released from treatment at St. Luke Institute in MD. Claims with 17 plaintiffs settled in 1994 ($1.4M). Other plaintiffs were included in a 7/2004 settlement. As many as 48 known victims; law enforcement estimated over 250 victims. “Official tally” 43, per plaintiffs’ attorney in 6/2021. Laicization announced in 1/2004. Prime suspect in the 1972 murder of altar boy Danny Croteau. Lavigne died 5/21/2021, hours before he was to be arrested for the murder. The D.A. stated that Lavigne implicated himself during interviews in the weeks before his death. Included on the diocese’s list of credibly accused. In 11/2023 the Diocese announced “new credible findings” against Lavigne.

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