AG Neronha to release report on clergy sex abuse in RI

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha is expected to release the findings Wednesday from a multiyear investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse involving clergy within the Diocese of Providence.

According to the Attorney General’s office, the report examines how the diocese handled complaints of abuse by members of the clergy dating back decades. The investigation began in 2019 after Neronha’s office reached an agreement with the diocese to review files and allegations of clergy sexual abuse dating back to 1950.

Officials say the goal of the investigation was to determine how past reports were handled, identify any cases that could still be prosecuted, and confirm that no clergy credibly accused of abuse remain in active ministry.

The Rhode Island State Police assisted with the investigation.

Rhode Island has one of the highest Catholic populations in the country, with nearly 40% of residents identifying as Catholic, according to the Pew Research Center.

The investigation was launched nearly a year after a major Pennsylvania grand jury report revealed that more than 1,000 children were abused by an estimated 300 priests in that state over several decades.