Trending Now - Rhode Island AG Unveils Key Findings on Clergy Abuse Inquiry

WHO:

Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha

Catholic Diocese of Providence

75 Catholic priests

More than 300 children

Bishop Bruce Lewandowski

Mitchell Garabedian, lawyer

Robert Carpentier, priest

Monsignor John Allard, priest

Rev. Francis Santilli, diocesan review board member

Herbert Brennan, abuse survivor

WHAT:

A report detailing child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence was released on March 4, 2026.

The investigation found that 75 priests abused more than 300 children since 1950.

Only 20 clergy faced criminal charges, with 14 convictions and a dozen laicizations.

Neronha's office charged four current and former priests with sexual abuse for allegations from 2020 to 2022; three are awaiting trial, and one died in 2022.

The report criticized the diocese for transferring accused priests without proper investigations.

The diocese opened a “spiritual retreat-style facility” in the early 1950s for accused priests.

Neronha called for legal reforms to help victims and remove obstacles for reporting abuse.

WHERE:

Providence, Rhode Island

Catholic Diocese of Providence

Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Providence, Rhode Island

WHEN:

Investigation launched in 2019.

Report released on March 4, 2026.

Allegations against priests stem from 2020 to 2022.

Robert Carpentier resigned in 1992 after allegations from a victim.

Carpentier retired in 2006 and died in 2012.

Monsignor John Allard abused a victim starting in 1981.

WHY:

The investigation aimed to determine how the diocese responded to past reports of child sexual abuse and to ensure no credibly accused clergy were in active ministry.

Neronha stated that the church could do more to address child sexual abuse.

HOW:

The investigation involved an agreement with the Diocese of Providence to access internal records dating back to 1950.

The report described the diocese's handling of abuse cases as “damning” and highlighted an “overreliance and misplaced faith” in treatment centers for accused priests.

Neronha's office outlined changes for the diocese, including clear investigative timelines and guidelines, and recommended abandoning polygraph tests for victims.

A report released on March 4, 2026, by Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha reveals that 75 priests in the Catholic Diocese of Providence abused more than 300 children since 1950, with only 20 clergy facing criminal charges. The investigation, which began in 2019, criticized the diocese for transferring accused priests without proper investigations and highlighted the need for legal reforms to better support victims. Neronha's office called the diocese's handling of abuse cases "damning," recommending clearer investigative timelines and guidelines while urging the abandonment of polygraph tests for victims.