Vermont Priests Accused of Abuse

The Roman Catholic Church in Vermont has been heavily infiltrated with clergy sexual offense cases over the years. This grave issue highlights a pattern of child sexual abuse and misconduct that has scarred both individuals and the community.

As experts in trial law, including cases against the Roman Catholic Diocese, our Vermont clergy abuse attorney team at Injury Lawyer Team advocates for the victims and seeks justice on their behalf. We understand the intricacies involved in these cases and provide our clients the restitution they deserve.

Vermont Catholic Diocese Priest Sex Abuse List

Diocese of Burlington VT

Paul M. Bresnehan

• Accused

Paul M. Bresnehan, a monsignor of the Diocese of Burlington, was publicly identified as credibly accused when the diocese released its disclosure list on August 22, 2019, where his surname was misspelled as Bresnahan. He retired from ministry on May 15, 2002. Bresnehan died on July 23, 2003, following his retirement.

Conrad Bessette

• Sued

Conrad Bessette served in numerous Vermont communities including Barre, Springfield, St. Albans, Rutland, Burlington, Newport, Graniteville, and Milton. He was removed from ministry in 1990 following allegations of sexual abuse and later faced a civil lawsuit filed in August 2019. His public faculties were removed in 2004, and he was laicized in 2011. He was listed by the diocese on August 22, 2019.

Robert J. Baffa

• Accused

Robert J. Baffa was publicly named as accused by the Diocese of Burlington on August 22, 2019. His priestly faculties were withdrawn, and he retired from ministry on June 19, 2002. Baffa later died on March 23, 2013, in Norristown, Pennsylvania, several years after leaving active clerical service.

Donald A. Bruneau

• Accused

Donald A. Bruneau was publicly identified as credibly accused by the Diocese of Burlington when it released its disclosure list on August 22, 2019. He had served as a priest in Vermont prior to the allegations. Bruneau died on June 2, 1994, years before his name was formally added to the diocesan list.

James E. Beauregard

• Accused

James E. Beauregard was named publicly as credibly accused by the Diocese of Burlington on August 22, 2019. He retired from ministry on January 11, 2002, citing health reasons. His priestly faculties were revoked on September 11, 2003. Beauregard died on July 28, 2015.

James J. Campbell

• Accused

James J. Campbell was publicly identified as credibly accused by the Diocese of Burlington on August 22, 2019. He had been suspended from ministry in 1965 and later married in 1968. His departure from clerical life occurred decades before the diocese formally disclosed the allegation against him.

Joseph H. Dussault

• Settled

Joseph H. Dussault was accused in a civil lawsuit revealed in January 2013 of sexually abusing an altar boy between 1963 and 1967 while serving in Derby Line, Vermont, near the Canadian border. He retired from ministry in 1978. Dussault died on December 11, 1987. The civil claim was resolved through settlement in 2013.

Roger W. Carlin

• Settled

Roger W. Carlin was publicly named in July 2021 as accused of sexually abusing an altar boy during the years 1966 and 1967. The allegations led to a civil claim that was later settled. His name was added to diocesan disclosures as part of expanded reporting of historical abuse cases.

Robert E. Devoy

• Accused

Robert E. Devoy, a priest originally from Quebec, Canada, was publicly identified as credibly accused by the Diocese of Burlington in 1996. His ministry involved cross-border assignments prior to the allegation. The diocese later included him among clergy determined to have substantiated abuse allegations.

James Dunn

• Sued

James Dunn, a member of the Servants of the Paraclete religious order, was accused of sexual abuse and later named in civil litigation. In 2006, he was reported to be 76 years old. Records indicate he disappeared from the diocesan index after 1969, following allegations connected to his clerical assignments.

James F. Foley

• Accused

James F. Foley was publicly identified as credibly accused by the Diocese of Burlington on August 22, 2019. He retired from active ministry in 1984. Foley died on November 27, 2002, years before the diocese formally added his name to its list of accused clergy.

John F. Eastman

• Accused

John F. Eastman was publicly named as credibly accused by the Diocese of Burlington on August 22, 2019. He was suspended in August 1953 and sent to Jemez Springs, New Mexico, from 1953 to 1955. Eastman later served in the Diocese of Monterey-Fresno from 1955 to 1967. His appeal to return to Burlington in 1989 was denied.

Edward C. Foster

• Accused

Edward C. Foster, a monsignor, was named publicly as accused by the Diocese of Burlington on August 22, 2019. His priestly faculties were revoked on May 11, 1994. He retired shortly thereafter on June 22, 1994. Foster died on April 14, 2000.

William P. Gallagher

• Accused

William P. Gallagher was publicly identified as credibly accused by the Diocese of Burlington on August 22, 2019. He was placed on leave on May 22, 2002, and subsequently resigned from ministry. Gallagher formally retired on June 19, 2002, and died on October 13, 2003.

Edward J. Gelineau

• Accused

Edward J. Gelineau served as a parish priest and later as director of Catholic Charities from 1957 to 1966. He was publicly named as credibly accused by the Diocese of Burlington on August 22, 2019. Gelineau retired from ministry in 1990 and died on June 18, 2010, at the age of 95.

John A. Guichard

• Accused

John A. Guichard was publicly identified as credibly accused by the Diocese of Burlington on August 22, 2019. He retired from ministry in 1991 but continued working in campus ministry at St. Joseph’s College in Rutland. Guichard died on May 15, 2007.

John B. Kenney

• Settled

John B. Kenney was publicly identified as credibly accused by the Diocese of Burlington in 2006. He was removed from ministry that same year following the allegation. A civil claim connected to the abuse was later resolved through settlement.

Louis E. Gelineau

• Accused

Louis E. Gelineau was accused of taking an 11- or 12-year-old boy aside in 1951 and pulling down the child’s fly. In 1993, he denied having sexual contact with an altar boy in connection with a separate allegation. His case remained documented in diocesan abuse records.

John A. Lanoue

• Sued

John A. Lanoue was named in a civil lawsuit filed in 1997 against Rev. Francis Moriarity and St. Michael’s College. The suit alleged that in 1955 Lanoue sexually abused a boy who attended Holy Family Parish in Essex Junction, Vermont.

James J. McShane

• Settled

James J. McShane served as a Boy Scouts chaplain, diocesan youth director, and chaplain at Camp Holy Cross. He was accused of sexually abusing several youths, including at least one individual at the camp. Civil claims related to the abuse were later resolved through settlement.

Michael K. Madden

• Convicted

Michael K. Madden resigned as pastor after his priestly faculties were revoked and was later convicted of lewd conduct. He served two years in prison for the offense. Madden died in 2000 and was subsequently listed by the Diocese of Burlington as credibly accused.

Walter D. Miller

• Accused

Walter D. Miller held prominent diocesan positions, including Chancellor of the Diocese of Burlington. He was publicly named as credibly accused on August 22, 2019. Miller resigned and retired on December 17, 2004, and his faculties were revoked on January 7, 2005. He died on January 2, 2014.

John Milanese

• Reinstated

John Milanese was placed on leave from ministry in 2002 following an allegation of sexual abuse. After passing a polygraph examination, he was returned to active ministry. The diocese recorded his case as reinstated following the internal review process.

Brian E. Mead

• Settled

Brian E. Mead, later known as Bishop Angell Mead, was first publicly named as accused in October 2018. He had been placed on leave in May 2002, resigned in January 2003, and had his priestly faculties revoked in December 2004. Civil claims connected to the allegations were later settled.

Joseph Maxime Mooney

• Accused

Joseph Maxime Mooney was publicly identified as credibly accused by the Diocese of Burlington on August 22, 2019. He retired from ministry on March 9, 1956. Mooney died on December 31, 1965, years before the diocese disclosed the allegation.

George O. Murtagh

• Accused

George O. Murtagh was listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Burlington on October 18, 2019. He resigned as pastor on October 4, 1997, following concerns related to his conduct. His name was later added to the diocesan disclosure of clergy abuse cases.

Edward O. Paquette Jr.

• Settled

Edward O. Paquette Jr. was ordained for the Diocese of Fall River and had his faculties removed in 1963 following allegations of serial sexual abuse of boys. He was sent to treatment in Indiana and later worked in the Diocese of Fort Wayne–South Bend before being accepted into the Diocese of Burlington. He was sent to treatment again in 1974 and 1978, had his faculties removed in 1978, and was laicized in May 2009. Nineteen of twenty-six known cases were settled.

Stephen J. Nichols

• Convicted

Stephen J. Nichols was charged with sexually molesting a male teenager while serving as a priest in Vermont. He was convicted and sentenced to thirty days in jail followed by two years of probation. The conviction resulted in the loss of his clerical standing and removal from ministry.

Paul I. Plouffe

• Accused

Paul I. Plouffe was publicly identified as accused by the Edmundite order on August 7, 2019. An allegation received in 2006 described sexual abuse occurring in Vermont in 1946. Plouffe had died on August 22, 2004, decades before the allegation was formally disclosed by the order.

Ronald A. Soutiere

• Accused

Ronald A. Soutiere was publicly named as accused by the Diocese of Burlington on its August 22, 2019 list. He resigned as pastor of St. Ann’s Parish in April 2002, was placed on administrative leave in June 2002, and had his priestly faculties revoked on November 2, 2004.

Emile W. Savary

• Accused

Emile W. Savary was publicly identified as credibly accused by the Diocese of Burlington on August 22, 2019. The diocese noted that the allegation of sexual abuse was first received in 1996. Savary died on June 8, 1966, many years before the report was disclosed.

George A. Paulin

• Settled

George A. Paulin was suspended and had his faculties revoked on May 25, 2002, following allegations of sexual abuse. He was reported to the Diocese of Burlington in 1987 and resigned as pastor on January 1, 2003. While no longer in ministry, he was later found working as an organist at other churches. A civil claim was settled in April 2007 for $135,000.

Sister Claire

• Accused

Sister Claire was accused of sexually abusing a girl at St. Joseph’s Orphanage between 1958 and 1964. The accused individual was deceased at the time a civil lawsuit was filed. In 1998, a judge dismissed the lawsuit, ruling that the institution could not be held responsible absent proof of prior knowledge of the abuse.

Raymond C. Provost

• Accused

Raymond C. Provost was publicly identified as credibly accused by the Diocese of Burlington on August 22, 2019. He retired for health reasons on November 28, 1975, but continued limited parish work until approximately 1995. The diocese received an allegation of sexual abuse in 2005. Provost died on August 13, 1998.

Daniel F. Roberts

• Accused

Daniel F. Roberts was accused of sexually assaulting a girl in 1949 when she was ten years old at St. Anthony’s Parish in White River Junction, Vermont. Following the allegation, Roberts was transferred and later served in several other parishes and schools within the diocese during subsequent years of ministry.

Forrest W. Rouelle

• Accused

Forrest W. Rouelle was identified in testimony and records presented during a 2008 trial involving the Diocese of Burlington and Edward O. Paquette Jr. His name appeared in connection with allegations of sexual abuse tied to clerical assignments within Vermont.

Ronald A. Soutiere

• Accused

Ronald A. Soutiere was publicly named as credibly accused by the Diocese of Burlington on its August 22, 2019 disclosure list. His priestly faculties were formally revoked on November 2, 2004, following prior administrative leave and resignation from parish leadership.

Edward J. Stapleton

• Accused

Edward J. Stapleton was publicly identified as accused by the Edmundite order on August 7, 2019. An allegation received in 2004 described sexual abuse of a minor in Vermont in 1974. Stapleton died on July 14, 1983, at the age of sixty-three.

John A. Stankiewicz

• Accused

John A. Stankiewicz was accused of sexual abuse, with the allegations quietly disclosed by the Edmundite order on its website. The order paid for counseling services for the victims. His name appeared in internal disclosures rather than diocesan announcements.

Charles A. Towne

• Accused

Charles A. Towne was publicly named as accused by the Diocese of Burlington on its August 22, 2019 list. He retired from ministry in 1972. Towne died on February 15, 1982, years before the allegation was formally disclosed.

Richard E. Thompson

• Accused

Richard E. Thompson was publicly identified as credibly accused by the Diocese of Burlington on August 22, 2019. He was suspended from ministry on August 1, 1984. Thompson died on September 23, 2006, in South Yarmouth, Massachusetts.

Aime J. Trahan

• Accused

Aime J. Trahan was publicly named as accused by the Edmundite order on August 7, 2019. An allegation received in 2004 described sexual abuse of a minor in Vermont during the 1950s. Trahan died on August 14, 1984.

Raymond D. Walsh

• Accused

Raymond D. Walsh was publicly identified as credibly accused by the Diocese of Burlington on August 22, 2019. He retired from ministry in June 1998. Walsh died on June 24, 2019, after his name was added to the diocesan disclosure list.

Donal D. Ward

• Accused

Donal D. Ward was placed on leave after being identified as an active priest with past allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. He resigned from his parish assignment but denied grooming behavior, stating that the youth involved had been sexually active prior to the relationship described in the allegation.

Alfred Willis

• Settled

Alfred Willis was accused of molestation by parishioners in 1978. He was transferred twice afterward, placed on leave in 1980, and sent to the Servants of the Paraclete facility in New Mexico for treatment. Willis was laicized in 1985 and sued in 2003. One civil case was settled in 2004 for $170,000.

Benjamin D. Wysolmerski

• Settled

Benjamin D. Wysolmerski was accused of sexually abusing at least two girls. One civil claim was settled for an undisclosed amount in 1997. He resigned from ministry on June 15, 1993, had his faculties revoked on June 17, 1993, and died on October 11, 1994.

Understanding Clergy Abuse in Vermont

Clergy sexual exploitation is the violation of the sacred trust by clergy members through sexual harassment of the congregants. Addressing this sexual abuse requires a multifaceted approach, including legal action, local law enforcement, and changes within the Diocese of Burlington to prevent future child abuse. We at Injury Lawyer Team are dedicated to supporting survivors, from filing a complaint to advocating for our clients in court.

Legal Support for Child Sex Abuse Survivors in Vermont

Backed with 25 years of experience in the legal system, Injury Lawyer Team works tirelessly to offer compassionate guidance and advocate for our clients’ rights. Our clergy sexual abuse attorneys provide the following:

Free Consultations

Our consultations are free and confidential because we realize how hard it is for clients to talk about sensitive and traumatic experiences, such as Vermont priest abuse allegations.

Legal Representation

With detailed inquiries and witness testimonies, Injury Lawyer Team passionately represents you in court and handles all legal documents pertaining to your sexual abuse suit against the Roman Catholic Diocese.

Compassionate Approach

Our empathic approach towards sexual abuse survivors is just one step towards healing, as we offer resources and local connections with therapists and support groups.

What Laws Govern Priest Abuse Lawsuits in Vermont?

Recent legislative changes have allowed congregants to pursue justice through a trial system, holding the church accountable. The statute of limitations details how long sexually abused children have to file sexual abuse lawsuits, while mandatory reporting laws require professionals to report Vermont priest abuse to local law enforcement. A few essential laws are as follows:

Child Sex Abuse Statutes of Limitations

The latest legislative amendments in Vermont have eliminated the statute of limitations, thus enabling survivors to file civil lawsuits for a case of child sex abuse even decades after it happened. Our legal team can help you learn more about filing lawsuits for Vermont priest abuse.

Mandatory Reporting Laws for Abused Children

All healthcare workers, school teachers, social workers, and clergy members are mandated reporters in Vermont. Mandated reporters must file a report for suspected abuse or neglect, including sexually abused children, with DCF within 24 hours. This includes abuse allegations against other professionals, such as priest sexual abuse or the Catholic church.

Any clergy member who has witnessed child abuse or has any reason to believe a credible allegation should report it to the concerned authorities.

Filing a Clergy Abuse Lawsuit Against Vermont’s Catholic Church

While it may seem daunting, filing a lawsuit with Injury Lawyer Team will take the burden off your shoulders. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how to initiate a clergy sexual offense lawsuit against the Roman Catholic Diocese in Vermont:

• Inquiries and Consultation: As soon as the client reaches out to us, our team holds a detailed meeting to discuss the viability of your claims and the best legal strategies tailored to your case.
• Case Evaluation: We then conduct meticulous investigations to gather as much evidence as possible.
• Filing A Complaint: Once the case is prepared, a formal complaint is written to the court of Vermont, outlining the details of the abuse, the perpetrator, and additional information.
• Pre-Trials: As the lawsuit is initiated, the specific clergy member involved is notified and must respond within the due time for pre-trials.
• Settlements: Our skilled negotiators work diligently to secure fair compensation for the emotional and physical damages you have endured.
• Trials: If the negotiations outside court fail, the case proceeds to a trial. Our lawyers advocate for you with witnesses, evidence, and concrete arguments.
• Verdict: Based on the arguments of both sides, the jury delivers a verdict outlining compensation for the survivor.

Support Resources for Survivors in Vermont

Vermont has fostered a supportive community for the healing of the survivors. If you or a loved one has faced clergy sexual and physical abuse, these organizations can be of help to you.

Counselling Services

The Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services and Hope Works in Burlington provides crisis counseling and long-term therapy for survivors of sexual violence, including child sexual abuse victims.

Support Groups

Support groups like HOPE Works, Catholic Whistleblowers, Faith Trust Institute, Finally Speak Out Now, and The Healing Group offer a safe space for sharing experiences with similar survivors.

Crisis Hotlines

The Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence operates a 24-hour hotline at 1-800-489-7273. The nationwide helpline (RAINN) at 1-800-656-4673 provides confidential support to victims of sex abuse.

Sexual Abuse Cases and Outcomes Against the Roman Catholic Diocese

Under the supervision of Bishop Christopher Coyne, the Vermont Diocese released the names of 40 priests with credible sexual misconduct allegations involving a minor since 1950. Files and complaints against priests were reviewed and double-checked before releasing the final report listing the name, date, and abuse details of all priests directly or indirectly involved in child sexual abuse.

Of the 40 priests who are accused of abuse, some were criminally charged, while others faced civil lawsuits. Several resolved their clergy abuse cases without going to court. Since 2004, the Roman Catholic Diocese has paid over 20 million dollars as compensation to the sexually assaulted survivors of clerical abuse. A few of these cases are:

• In April 2004, the Diocese of Burlington settled a case for $170,000 involving a former student who Rev. Alfred Willis at St. Ann Catholic Church molested.
• In October 2009, a jury awarded $2.2 million to a former altar boy who claimed Rev. Edward Paquette sexually abused him at least 20 times at Christ the King Church.
• In May 2010, the Catholic Diocese of Burlington agreed to a $20 million settlement to resolve 26 lawsuits of credibly accused priests abusing children.

Why Choose Injury Lawyer Team

Choosing Injury Lawyer Team means partnering with a team with over 25 years of experience handling sensitive cases. Vermont’s groundbreaking law eliminates the statute of limitations, so we encourage survivors to file criminal charges against their abusers, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.

At our sexual abuse law firm, every individual is treated with utmost respect. Adhering to the highest ethical standards, our team of lawyers possesses extensive knowledge and expertise about legal precedents. Our strong connections and proven track record help us win cases and achieve favorable results for our clients. Contact us today.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.