Dozens of Catholic priests molested hundreds of Rhode Island victims over decades, multiyear investigation reveals
PBS • • nation
Key Points:
- A multiyear investigation led by Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha revealed that Catholic priests in the Diocese of Providence sexually abused over 300 children since 1950, with many cases concealed by church officials prioritizing scandal avoidance.
- The diocese maintained a secret archive and often transferred accused priests to new assignments without proper investigations or law enforcement involvement, relying heavily on treatment centers and sabbaticals rather than accountability.
- Only about 26% of the accused clergy faced criminal charges, with 14 convictions and a dozen dismissed from the priesthood; some accused priests continued to receive diocesan support or remained in ministry despite allegations.
- Survivors detailed grooming and abuse by priests, and some individuals involved in reviewing abuse cases were themselves accused ab
