Suspended Indianapolis priest charged in sexual abuse case

By Bob Blake
RTV 6
October 25, 2019

https://bit.ly/2pW5mmo

A suspended Catholic priest in Indianapolis has been charged in a Hamilton County sexual abuse investigation.

According to Hamilton Superior Court records, Fr. David Marcotte, 32, has been charged with three felonies — child solicitation, vicarious sexual gratification, and dissemination of matter harmful to minors.

The Archdiocese of Indianapolis suspended Marcotte from ministry in February after its victim assistance coordinator learned of the abuse allegations. The Archdiocese alerted authorities and notified the chair of the Archdiocesan Review Board about the allegation.

"The Archdiocese has cooperated with law enforcement throughout its investigation," the Archdiocese said in a statement. "Fr. Marcotte has been prohibited from all public ministry while the investigation and legal process is ongoing."

Marcotte was ordained in June 2014 and has served in a number of assignments since then. He has served at SS Francis and Clare Parish, Greenwood, the University of Indianapolis, St. Malachy Parish, Brownsburg, St. Martin of Tours Parish in Martinsville, Roncalli High School in Indianapolis. He has also had second stints at UIndy and SS Francis and Clare Parish.

"Let us hold all victims of sexual abuse and misconduct and their families in prayer," the Archdiocese said in its statement.

According to court documents, Marcotte allegedly sent inappropriate pictures to the juvenile victim and engaged in sexual conduct via various social media platforms, including apparent attempts to recruit others to participate.

After the investigation began The Most Reverend Charles Thompson, Archbishop of Indianapolis, sent a message to Roncalli High School families.

"I apologize to all victims, their families and loved ones who have suffered any form of abuse or misconduct by clergy," said Thompson. "I promise to do everything in my power to support you in your healing."

The University of Indianapolis provided a statement Friday night that it released in February.

"Fr. David J. Marcotte was assigned by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis to provide oversight of Catholic Mass on the University of Indianapolis campus as an ecumenical minister," the statement read. "At no time was he ever a University of Indianapolis employee. He is no longer serving on campus."