RI clergy abuse report: 72 accused, over 300 victims

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The Office of the Rhode Island Attorney General has released a report detailing 72 clergy members identified as “credibly accused” of sexual abuse.

The designation “credibly accused” stems from a 2019 agreement with the Diocese and is not a legal determination. It signifies that there is at least one credible allegation of child sexual abuse against a clergy member that “more likely than not occurred.”

The investigation reviewed more than 250,000 pages of church records dating back to 1950 and uncovered allegations involving over 300 victims across Rhode Island parishes and Catholic institutions.

According to the report, abuse occurred in churches, rectories, Catholic schools and parish programs across the state — including communities such as Providence, Woonsocket, Cranston, Warwick, Pawtucket, East Providence, Newport, and other diocesan parishes.

Investigators say accused clergy were often transferred between parishes after allegations surfaced, sometimes allowing abuse to continue in new communities.

According to the investigation, the six priests alleged to have abused the most victims are:

Officials note that the report reflects allegations and not court convictions. All clergy named are to be presumed innocent unless a criminal conviction has been recorded.

To avoid affecting ongoing legal proceedings, the report does not include three priests currently facing indictments— John Petrocelli, James Silva, and Kevin Fisette. A fourth, Edward Kelley, is included because he died before his case could be resolved.

Investigators say the true scope of abuse may be even greater, noting that many victims did not report their abuse until decades later, and many never reported it at all.

The full report details allegations, parish assignments, and the Diocese’s response to complaints spanning more than 70 years.

Full list of credibly accused clergy in the Diocese of Providence.