Portland Diocese Investigates Retired Priest

WMTW
February 11, 2012

www.wmtw.com/r/30436187/detail.html

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland is conducting an investigation into sexual abuse claims against retired priest Fr. Antonin (Tony) R. Caron. The initial complaint was made in November of 2011 and involves alleged incidents between 1982 and 1986 while Father Caron was at Our Lady of Ransom Parish in Mechanic Falls, and St. Gregory Parish in Gray.

Sue Bernard, spokesperson for the diocese, said the initial claims are serious enough that the diocese will conduct a through investigation.

Father Caron had retired due to medical reason prior to being acquitted of criminal sex abuse charges in 1994. Father Caron was suspended in March of 2000 by Bishop Joseph Gerry for Caron's alleged involvement in a pornographic website. Caron was reinstated the following summer with limited ministry and since 2010, he has had no public ministry.

Fr. Caron, 68, was born in Lewiston and was ordained in 1969. He served at Notre Dame in Waterville, St. Margaret in Old Orchard. St. Mary in Lewiston, St Mary in Presque Isle, St. Michael, South Berwick, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland, St. Ignatius in Sanford, St. Mary in Eagle Lake and St James in Woodland.

Parishioners were informed of the investigation in a letter sent by Bishop Richard Malone this weekend.

Bishop Malone encourages anyone with information about this case or any other cases of sexual assault to contact the diocese or law enforcement.