Investigation finds decades of sexual abuse by Catholic priests in Rhode Island

A Rhode Island state investigation reported that 75 clergy allegedly abused more than 300 victims since 1950 and documented patterns of reassignment and limited criminal accountability; the Diocese of Providence disputed aspects of the report.

A state investigation led by Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha reported decades of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy in the state. The inquiry drew on roughly 70 years of diocesan records made available under a 2019 agreement. Investigators said many accused priests avoided criminal accountability and were sometimes reassigned, sent for treatment, or placed on leave instead of being referred to law enforcement. The Diocese of Providence provided records but disputed some interpretations of the findings and said there are no credibly accused clergy in active ministry. Key findings: - The investigation reported that 75 clergy allegedly sexually abused more than 300 victims from about 1950 onward. - Church records showed accused priests were sometimes moved to new assignments, sent for treatment, or placed on sabbatical rather than consistently reported to police. - Officials said roughly 20 clergy faced criminal charges and 14 were convicted; the attorney general's office has charged four priests in cases from 2020–2022, with three awaiting trial. - The Diocese of Providence disputed parts of the report while noting it provided extensive internal records under the agreement with the state. Summary: The report documents reported long-standing patterns of abuse, internal handling of complaints, and limited criminal accountability for many clergy. The attorney general's office has outlined proposed procedural changes for the diocese and several criminal cases remain pending. Undetermined at this time.