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	Ex-Indiana Priest Won't Attend Trial Cleric Facing 12 Molestation Lawsuits in Vermont Says He's Too Ill, Poor By Robert King robert.king@indystar.com Indianapolis Star April 6, 2006 http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article? AID=/20060406/NEWS01/604060411/1006/NEWS01 A former Indiana priest with 12 molestation lawsuits facing him in Vermont says poor health and a lack of money will prevent him from being in court when the first of the cases goes to trial. Edward O. Paquette, who served Catholic parishes in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend from 1964 to 1971, will not appear in court to defend himself when the first trial begins later this month, the Burlington (Vt.) Free Press reported Wednesday. "I'm soon to have daily radiation treatments for prostate cancer. So will not be able to attend the trial," the paper reported, citing a letter Paquette wrote the court. "Also, cannot attend trial for financial reasons, cannot afford to stay in a motel, restaurant meals for duration of the trial." Paquette, who now lives in Massachusetts, served two parishes in South Bend, one in Elkhart and another in Decatur. He faced sexual misconduct allegations during that time, said Vince LaBarbera, a spokesman for the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend. But the diocese no longer has the names of Paquette's Indiana accusers, and it is not clear how those cases were resolved, LaBarbera said. However, Paquette was removed from parish ministry and denied further ministry assignments in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, LaBarbera said. He soon landed in Vermont, where he is accused in 12 cases. A key element in each is a claim by the plaintiffs that the Diocese of Burlington, also a defendant in the case, knew of Paquette's history of abuse in Indiana and Massachusetts parishes. Paquette could not be reached for comment. Call Star reporter Robert King at (317) 444-6089.
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