Mass. Roman Catholic Priest Placed on Leave Amid Allegation of Child Sexual Abuse

The Republic
September 23, 2012

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/f2f4fd58e6cc4350946626009787e40e/MA--Church-Abuse

The Archdiocese of Boston has placed a Roman Catholic priest in Lynn on leave because of an allegation that he sexually abused a child in 2006.

The archdiocese released a statement Sunday saying the Rev. James Gaudreau will remain on an administrative leave of absence pending the outcome of an archdiocese investigation. Gaudreau is the pastor of St. Joseph Parish.

Church officials say the allegation was only recently reported to the archdiocese, and they have notified police.

Gaudreau couldn't be reached Sunday. An operator for a call service for the St. Joseph rectory declined to take a message.

Lynn police and the Essex County District Attorney's Office declined to comment Sunday.

Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley said in a statement that church officials are committed to protecting children in their parishes.