by Leslie C. Griffin*
This post will tell you about them. New Hampshire has one Catholic Diocese of Manchester, which includes many schools and parishes. New Hampshire has changed its statute of limitations [SOL] for sexual abuse several times. The SOL determines when your time begins and ends to file your lawsuit in court. It also determines when abusers can be charged criminally for their abuse.
The SOL? In 2023, the New Hampshire Supreme Court addressed a case filed by Larissa Troy in May 2018.1 Troy was formerly a student at Bishop Guertin High School, which is owned and run by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart of New England. In 1995, their employee, Shawn McEnany, assaulted her twice. She reported the attack to the school’s Dean of Students, who “accused her of lying and told her that if she continued to repeat the story, she would be in trouble.”2 Troy’s own mother did not believe her.
It turns out McEnany had been convicted of sexual contact with a 15-year-old student in Maine in 1988. Nonetheless, the school hired him in 1990 because it was an all-boys school. McEnany remained there even after the school admitted girls. Troy graduated in 1996. In 1997, McEnany faced New Hampshire charges for failing to register as a sex offender and teaching as a sex offender.
In 2017, the school sent Troy a Facebook post about her athletic career. She started thinking again about the sexual abuse against her. She researched McEnany, and learned about other lawsuits against Bishop Guertin by students who had been sexually abused there. In May 2018, she filed a lawsuit against Guertin and the Brothers for their negligence in hiring, retaining and supervising McEnany and their negligence in failing to protect her as a student.
Under the first provision of the law, Troy could not file; the SOL had run because Troy was older than 30 years old. A second provision of the statute provided the SOL was “Three years of the time the plaintiff discovers, or in the exercise of reasonable diligence should have discovered, the injury and its causal relationship to the act or omission complained of.”3 The trial court dismissed her case on both grounds, saying she could have known about her abuser’s employment at the time she was abused.
The Supreme Court reversed. The case’s footnote explains the details of New Hampshire’s SOL, which you would want to follow:
| We note that RSA 508:4-g was amended in 2020 to allow a party alleging to have been subjected to any offense under RSA chapter 632-A (2016 & Supp. 2022) and RSA 639:2 (2016) to “commence a personal action at any time.” RSA 508:4-g (Supp. 2022). However, in this case, the parties agreed that the applicable statute of limitations is the version of RSA 508:4-g in effect when the action was filed in 2018. This opinion assumes the parties’ positions are legally accurate and will limit its analysis accordingly.4 |
For the record, the New Hampshire SOL today allows lawsuits to be filed “at any time,” as the note explains. New Hampshire’s enlargement of the SOL is part of a trend in states, where legislatures are giving abuse victims more time to sue.5
Even under the older law, the court ruled for Troy. Because there was factual disagreement about Troy’s discovery in 2017 and what she should have known and when, the Supreme Court reversed and allowed the case to proceed with the dispute on that point. “We decline to establish a per se rule that the plaintiff’s knowledge of the abuser’s employer is alone sufficient to trigger the application of the discovery rule,”6 they wrote. “Simply put, the plaintiff’s knowledge that she had been injured and that her assailant was employed by the defendants differs from her knowing of the causal connection between the injury and the defendants’ alleged acts or omissions in hiring, retaining, and supervising McEnany.”7
SOLs are the repeated source of inquiry in sex abuse cases. In the old days, the SOLs were very short. They have started to expand as victims and their lawyers have fought for change.
I will tell you about New Hampshire’s SOLs, the state’s treatment of abusing criminals, the civil cases that were filed against the abusers and the church for their wrongdoing, and the cases that were settled. For New Hampshire, I do not need to tell you yet about bankruptcy. Forty Catholic organizations around the country have filed for bankruptcy, but New Hampshire is not one of them.8 I will end with a review of the new cases that have been filed recently in New Hampshire because of the abolition of the statute of limitations, which determines when cases can be filed in court and when that time ends. I will end with the diocese’s list of abusers. Although some churches do not report their abusers, the Diocese of Manchester provided a list. And it is always good to show the names of abusers that even the church recognizes.
Some people think it is unfair to open the courts against elderly or deceased abusers. Yet the victims have insisted that the only way they can become survivors is through a clear and open record of what happened to them. I have tried to provide some of that record for you here. I hope it gives some strength to survivors and some insight on how the courts correctly handle the abuse of children.
SOLs and Charitable Immunity
Statutes of limitations (SOLs) determine how long individuals have before the time to bring charges or to file a lawsuit ends. They affect both civil and criminal law, determining when a civil case can be litigated and when a criminal must be prosecuted. In New Hampshire, in the past, 2002, the age cap for civil cases was 21, which is 18 plus 3 years. In 2005, it was extended to 25, which is 18 plus 7 years. In 2008, it was extended to age 30, which is 18 plus 12 years. New Hampshire dropped its civil SOL in 2020.9 Old cases can now be brought at any time.
The criminal SOL is six years for a felony sexual assault, or 22 years after a victim’s 18th birthday—in other words, at age 40.10 After Manchester, like some but not all other dioceses, released its list of priest abusers in 2019, support built for an extension of New Hampshire’s statute of limitations, especially because many victims do not come forward until they are in their 50s.11
In the past, Brother Roger Argencourt’s case of abuse could not be prosecuted as felony sexual assault because the SOL had run.12 At Bishop Guertin High School, Brother Guy Beaulieu did not face any criminal charges even though he had admitted the abuse and settled cases; the SOL had already run.13 George H. Robichaud, the first priest to face criminal charges in New Hampshire once the scandal broke in 2001, was arrested for felonious sexual assault of a boy.14 Two misdemeanor counts of sexual touching against him were dropped because of the SOL.15 The rest of the case against him was later settled, and parts of it dropped due to the SOL.16
Oddly enough, around the country charitable immunity often stopped the abuse cases from proceeding. In the law, charities are allegedly doing good work, and so should not have to pay damages to anyone. They need to do good work instead of paying damages. In New Hampshire, charitable immunity ended in 1939.17 Other states still dispute its reach in abuse cases.18
New Hampshire has a law requiring all persons to report child abuse. Unlike other states, it does not allow cases of suspected child abuse or neglect to be protected by the clergy-penitent privilege.19 The statute explicitly says: “A priest, minister, or rabbi having reason to suspect that a child has been abused or neglected shall report the same in accordance with this chapter.”20
New Hampshire has had more criminal success against the Diocese of Manchester than other states have had against their dioceses.
Criminal Law
In 2003, the New Hampshire attorney general produced a detailed report with 9,000 pages of documents showing that the Manchester Diocese knew about and covered up extensive abuse by priests. State prosecutors produced a 154-page report with 9,000 pages of church documents to show the church’s criminality.21 That release was similar to an indictment. The church’s response came from Manchester’s Bishop John B. McCormack, who had been Cardinal Bernard Law’s assistant in Massachusetts. Massachusetts, of course, was the center of the huge 2002 Catholic abuse crisis, which was later displayed in the movie Spotlight. Bishop McCormack received extensive criticism for his refusal to do anything about Paul Shanley’s misconduct when McCormack was a bishop in Boston, and also for allowing Joseph Birmingham to abuse boys there.22
McCormack agreed to a New Hampshire deal admitting the government had evidence to convict the church. This made Manchester the only diocese that had admitted its criminal wrongdoing,23 and protected the church from criminal penalty.
You won’t see many crimes committed by the Diocese of Manchester, because the government came so close to indictment that the diocese signed an agreement promising it would report abuse and keep the state posted about issues within the diocese. Bishop McCormack recognized that “the state ‘has evidence likely to sustain a conviction of a charge against the diocese.’”24 The big Catholic abuse scandal in Boston had caused the New Hampshire prosecutors to look at what their diocese had done in-state. “No other diocese has reached a settlement under threat of imminent criminal indictment.”25
The New Hampshire Attorney General identified the following priests as associated with abuse in New Hampshire:
A. Paul Aube, Wilfred Bombardier, Aimee Boiselle, Albert Boulanger, Albion Bulger, Gerald Chalifour, Richard Connors, Alfred Constant, Joseph Cote, Roland Cote, Robert Densmore, Karl Dowd, Eduard Duval, Mark Fleming, Fr. Fournier, Roger Fortier, A.M. Hilary, Alfred aa, Raymond Laferriere, Conrad LaForest, Francis Lamothe, Leo Landry, Richard Lower, Gordon MacRae, Andy Meehan, Francis Mullen, John Nolin, Donald Osgood, Eugene Pelletier, Philip Petit, John Poirier, Leo Shea, John T. Sullivan, Roland Tancrede, Romeo Valliere, Roland Vielette.
B. Members of Religious Orders: Roger Argencourt, Guy Beaulieu, L. Morel, John Voglio, Patrick Walsh/
C. Massachusetts Priests: Richard Barry, Robert Burgess, Robert Burns, Frederick Cartier, Dennis Conte, Richard Coughlin, Fr. Dennis, Thomas Donnelly, Robert Gale, John Hanlon, Bernard Lane, Jon Martin, Ronald Paquin, George Rosenkrantz, Frederick Ryan, Paul Shanley, Ernest Tourigney, Robert Towner, Robert (aka John) Turnbull.26
The church could have been charged with violations of the child endangerment law, which had fines of $20,000 per offense. New Hampshire officials claimed that leaving priests at work after they had been accused of abuse made more children vulnerable to abuse.27
Several New Hampshire priests went to prison for their abuse: Roger Fortier at 20 to 40 years; Gordon MacRae, up to 67 years; Joseph Maguire, at least 44 years, and Francis Talbot, 10 years.28
Fortier was convicted in 1998 of abuse of two victims and received 30-60 years in prison. He pled guilty in November 1997 to abuse of a third victim and received a concurrent 5-10 years sentence.29 In one case, Fortier knew J.K. and A.Y. and their families, and they were his altar boys at a church in Farmington, New Hampshire. J.K. was 11 years old, and A.Y. was 9. Fortier invited them repeatedly to the rectory, where he sexually assaulted them.
Fortier appealed his conviction of sexual assault of those two parish boys. The Supreme Court ruled that he was not entitled to jury unanimity, had not been subject to double jeopardy, and that there was sufficient evidence that he used his authority over the boys to coerce them to have sex.30 The court concluded that “the defendant’s role as the victims’ personal religious leader, and their subservient role as his altar servers, sufficiently established the defendant’s right to expect obedience and power to receive submission from the victims. Accordingly, a rational jury could have found beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant maintained a position of authority over the victims at the time of the charged assaults.”31 The court also upheld the ruling that he had used that authority to coerce the two boys into sex.32
MacRae pled guilty in 1988 to paying a boy for sex, and received a one-year deferred prison sentence and treatment.33 He was charged with 11 counts of molestation of four boys in 1993, and convicted for assault of a boy in 1994, with a sentence of 33.5 to 67 years. He repeatedly claimed innocence and appealed his convictions.34
Maguire was convicted of criminal charges and sentenced to 44 years in prison.35
Maguire and MacRae also were convicted of sexual abuse of a child.36
Talbot was sentenced to at least 10 years in prison in 2003 after pleading guilty in 2002 to five counts of sexually assaulting a boy. A request for early release from prison was denied. Cases against Talbot were settled in October and November 2002.37
Frederick L. Guthrie was convicted of soliciting sex over the Internet and sentenced to three months in jail and five years’ probation. He was laicized in 2011.38 He was arrested in 2001 for meeting an undercover cop whom he thought was a 15-year-old boy.39
George H. Robichaud was the first priest to face criminal charges in New Hampshire once the Boston scandal broke in 2002.40 He was arrested in July 2002 for felonious sexual assault of a boy, aged 13-16, in 1984-85. The victim had taped Robichaud acknowledging the abuse of both himself and another youth. A criminal proceeding ended in mistrial, a retrial stopped in July 2003, and ultimately charges were dropped due to the victim’s age and the SOL.41 Although the accuser believed he was 15 at the time of the abuse, he was actually 16, the age of consent; two felony rape charges were dropped because the jury was unable to reach a verdict. Two misdemeanor counts of sexual touching were dropped because of the SOL. By August 7, 2003, all criminal charges had been dropped.42
Stephen Scruton was convicted in 1984 and 1987 for lewd and indecent behavior at highway rest areas.43
Leo Alfred Shea was sentenced to three to six years in prison after pleading guilty to assault of a 14-year-old; he was paroled in 1997.44
Survivors often file civil claims against their abusers, and more recently, the abusers’ employers. Some of those suits are described in the next section.
Civil Suits
Mark Fleming was sued for abuse of boys in the 1980s. Reports of abuse went to the attorney general but Fleming was not prosecuted. He later became a Unitarian minister, where former victims were shocked he could still work.45
William P. Neiman was sued in 2007 for 1977-1978 abuse. Neiman had replaced Gerald Joyal, another abuser, as pastor of the church.46
Philip Petit was sued in 2002 for 1979-1981 abuse, but his employee records, as well as those for the church’s other priest employees, were destroyed by a church official. “The file is absent. The file is gone.”47 This was discovered by a church’s historian, Monsignor Wilfrid H. Paradis, an expert at the huge Catholic meeting of bishops at Vatican II.48 One lawyer alleged that Bishop Odore Gendron had destroyed the documents of both Philip Petit and Gordon MacRae.
Roland W. Veilette was accused of 1973 abuse in 2002 and faced another suit by a man who said Veilette attacked him from 1956-1958 in the priest’s car.49 He died in 1983.
Jeanne Wilfort was sued in 2002 for sexually abusing a nun in Canada, but the suit was dismissed after the plaintiff died in 2004. There were other victims of unspecified age.50 The plaintiff was Holy Cross Sister Jane McDonald, who had followed Jeanne Wilfort to Canada along with other sisters. McDonald sued Wilfort, the Holy Cross Sisters, and Homes for Growth, where the assault took place. People called her “Winnipeg’s Mother Teresa.”51
Michael Moe, Koe, and Vellante described their abuse by Stigmatine priests. Vellante was abused by Leo P. Landry in 1958, when he was 13-14 years old. Koe was abused by Richard J. Ahern in 1962, when he was 11. Moe was also abused by Ahern, in 1969, when he was 14. The three sued the Stigmatine Fathers for conspiracy to hide the abuse of pedophile priests. The superior court dismissed the case, saying, “Any conspiracy to cover up the activities of these priests after 1979, when the Order became aware of them, however, could not possibly be found to have affected the abuse of these youngsters in 1958, 1962 and 1969 respectively.”52
The Diocese of Manchester sued the attorney general over the terms of an audit agreement that the diocese had entered into. The agreement allowed the state to watch whether the diocese was complying with the laws against sexual abuse and to audit the diocese’s practices. The diocese argued that New Hampshire should pay the full costs of the audit. The superior court ruled that the diocese and the state should split the costs equally. The court also concluded that the audit did not violate any of the diocese’s constitutional rights.53
Civil lawsuits may be settled instead of proceeding to trial. The settlements are described in the next section.
Settlements
In October 2002, the Diocese of Manchester settled with 16 abuse victims, represented by lawyer Charles Douglas III, for $950,000.54 In November 2002, the diocese paid $5 million to settle abuse claims against 28 priests, two lay employees, and one member of a religious order. That case had 62 victims for abuse between 1956 and 1985. This payment brought the total of victims settled to 78. Mark Abramson of Manchester was still preparing to go to trial on behalf of 60 other victims in 2002, because talks with the diocese broke down.55 In May 2003, the diocese agreed to pay $6.5 million to settle 61 more civil claims.56
By 2019, Manchester had paid $28.5 million in compensation to victims, and $360,000 for counseling.57
Wilfrid F. Bombardier was accused in 1993 of abuse in 1966-1970 and in Manchester in 1975. He had a relationship with a man who lived in the Philippines.58 He was among 28 priests, two lay workers, and one member of a religious order in the November 2002 settlement. Three of the abusers’ names were kept confidential. At the victims’ request, the diocese did not release the names of the victims or the instances of abuse. Some critics said New Hampshire kept too much information secret. The survivors’ attorney, Peter Hutchins, said the median settlement was $41,250 and no one would get more than $500,000. $2,174,000 came from diocesan savings, $900,000 from the diocesan insurance fund, and $2 million from insurance companies. Hutchins said there were still four other claims.59
Abusers in the November 2002 case were listed as follows:
– Active ministry — Aime Boisselle, Ronald Corriveau, Alfred Jannetta and a confidential subject.
– Retired ministry — Gerard Chalifour and Robert Densmore.
– Extern priest who has left ministry — Edmond [sic] Lemire and Leo Landry.
– Left ministry — Paul Groleau, Alfred Lapoint, Daniel Osgood and a confidential subject.
– Dead — Wilfred Bombadier [sic], Richard Connors, Alfred Constant, Karl Dowd, Mark Gauthier, Gerald Joyal, Francis Lamothe, Harvey Lamothe, Maurice Leclerc.
– No permission to minister — Paul Aube, Albert Boulanger, Albion Bulger, Joseph Maquire, Stephen Scruton, Leo Shea, Francis Talbot.
– Guy Beaulieu, a member of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart who had no permission to minister.
– Lay persons no longer employed — Gerry Dane and a confidential subject. 60
Brother Roger Argencourt, also known as Odillon, was sued twice in 2002 for abuse in 1973 to 1974. One case was settled in 2003.61
Paul J. Aube was found having sex with a boy in a car in 1975. Allegations were made against him in 1981 and 1992. He was accused in 2002 of abuse of a boy in Rochester from 1979 to 1986, and of a 13-year-old from 1970 to 1972. One student said Aube raped him numerous times. One claim settled for $25,000. As mentioned above, his lawsuit was included in the November 2002 $5 million settlement with 62 plaintiffs and 28 priests.62
Charles Authier was named in a civil suit by 16 plaintiffs against seven priests for misconduct in Dover. The plaintiffs sued the Roman Catholic Bishop of Manchester and the Diocese of Manchester, and the lawsuit settled for $950,000 in October 2002.63 The priests’ names were given to the New Hampshire Attorney General. The six other priests were Philip Breton, Hubert Mann, Edmond Lemire, Francis Talbot, Gerald Joyal, and Donald Osgood. By the time of the 2002 lawsuit, Breton, Mann, Authier, and Joyal were dead. Four John Does made claims of assault against Breton; one against Mann; one against Authier; one against Lemire; and one against Joyal. Francis A. Talbot was accused by one, but was also in three other lawsuits. One charge against Osgood alleged a total of about 200 assaults.64 Mann was alleged to have abused a 15-year-old boy, whom he asked to move in him with him after the boy’s father died.65
Leo Shea was convicted in 1994 of felonious sexual assault of a 14-year-old boy. Leo Alfred Shea was accused in civil suits in 1993 and settled in October 2002 and November 2002.66
Francis A. Talbot settled cases in October and November 2002.67
Gerard J. Beaudet was accused of a rape from the 1970s and of making a woman perform oral sex on him, having given both victims alcohol. The cases were settled for an undisclosed amount.68 Beaudet was also involved in a settlement of three cases against the Diocese of Manchester, that included Monsignor John Boyd and Romeo Valliere. There were four plaintiffs. The diocese had recently hired a former federal agent to investigate the complaints. The diocese told the plaintiffs’ lawyer, Chuck Douglas, that it had less money than it did in 2002, when it paid 78 victims $6 million. The details of this settlement were not revealed. Boyd’s accuser said she was assaulted in 1957 and 1958. Three victims made complaints against Beaudet. Valliere made a victim perform oral sex. His name was on a list of 15 credible victims from 2002.69 Valliere admitted abuse and giving victims alcohol.70
The diocese settled one case in 2005 for a woman abused at age 7 and 8 in 1957. 71
Brother Guy Beaulieu was at Bishop Guertin High School, where he was accused in 2002 to 2004 of abusing 20 students over 20 years in the 1970s and 1980s. Claims against him were included in the 2002, 2003, and 2004 settlements.72 In 2004, Bishop Guertin settled five lawsuits against one teacher, and two other suits against teachers at other schools. The amounts of the settlements were not revealed. Beaulieu did not face any criminal charges or pay the students although he admitted the abuse; SOL.
Brother Leo Labbe was accused of sexual abuse from 1960 to 1961, and Brother Albert LaFlamme between 1943 and 1949. A suit against another Guertin brother was settled in November 2003.73
George Robichaud, the first New Hampshire priest to face criminal charges, settled a civil lawsuit for an undisclosed amount.74
Gerard F. Chalifour was accused of abuse in 1969 and 1982. The diocese paid $85,000 in 2003 for abuse claims by three victims.75
Richard W. Connors was wearing a “leather sexual device on his genitals” when he had a heart attack. He had pornography in his apartment.76 He was included in the November 2002 settlement.
Monsignor Alfred J. Constant was accused of assaulting a girl from 1945 to 1948, and a boy from 1959 to 1962.77 He was included in the November 2002 settlement.
Ronald E. Corriveau was accused of fondling victims in 1982. He was investigated in 2003 for Internet porn.78 He was included in the November 2002 settlement.
Robert J. Densmore was accused of abuse in the 1980s and 1990s.79 He was included in the November 2002 settlement.
Karl E. Dowd was accused of five instances of abuse after he died in February 2002. One man said he and his mother had reported the abuse in 1971.80 Dowd and Mark O. Gauthier were both included in the November 2002 settlement.81
In 2002, two boys accused Paul E. Groleau of abuse in the 1960s-1970s.82 Alfred L. Jannetta was accused of molesting boys, keeping homosexual pornography, and visiting gay bars.83 Francis R. Lamothe had at least nine men charging him with sexual abuse.84 Harvey Lamothe was accused of sexually abusing at least one male minor between 1979 and 1985.85 Alfred Lapointe and Maurice A. Leclerc were part of the settlement. Edmund Lemire was accused of abuse of fondling a boy that happened in the 1960s; there were also two allegations of abuse in the late 1950s.86 Joseph T. Maguire was investigated by the church early on for abuse in 1974 and was investigated by the police in 1981.87 Stephen Scruton had numerous abuse cases filed against him.88 Shea was in both October and November 2002 settlements.89 They were all in the November 2002 settlement.
Michael Dominic Ledoux was a Franciscan friar who was accused in 2003 of abuse in 1987 and 1988. Franciscans had learned of the abuse in 2002 but did not report it to the diocese. Ledoux acknowledged the abuse, and there was a settlement. The Franciscans also did not notify Widener University of his abuse. Ledoux, a dean at Widener from 2003 until 2012, resigned when news about his past settlements were revealed. Carmen Durso, the victim’s lawyer, expressed dissatisfaction with the Franciscans’ failures. There was no criminal record for anyone to check.90
In February 2002, the bishop of Manchester removed seven New Hampshire priests from ministry with children because of their alleged sexual misconduct. He gave their names, plus the names of seven retired priests, to the New Hampshire attorney general. The cases had not previously been reported. Bishop McCormack did not disclose any settlements. “The priests were John R. Poirier, the only active priest on the list. The retired priests’ names and current addresses are: the Rev. Albert L. Boulanger, the Rev. Gerald F. Chalifour, the Rev. Robert J. Densmore, the Rev. Raymond H. Laferriere, all of Manchester, and the Rev. Romeo J. Valliere of Berlin. The priest on sick leave is the Rev. Conrad V. LaForest of Winnisquam. The seven priests whose pastoral ministry already was revoked when allegations surfaced against them are: The Rev. Paul L. Aube, the Rev. Eugene Pelletier, the Rev. Francis A. Talbot, all of Manchester, the Rev. Albion F. Bulger of Nashua, the Rev. Joseph A. Cote of Berlin, the Rev. Joseph T. Maguire of Hyannis, Mass., and the Rev. Stephen Scruton of Dover.”91 Pelletier said he had no memory of the abuse.92 Poirier, called a “compulsive homosexual” by the church, was accused of solicitation.93
Albert L. Boulanger had many allegations from 1960s to 2003. One of the claims against him was included in the November 2002 settlement with 28 priests.
Albion F. Bulger was accused of two occasions of abuse in 1974. He was part of the settlement with 28 priests.94
Albert J. Burque was accused and added to the list in 2019.95 In 2019, the diocese named David Morley for abuse 45 years earlier.96 By this time, Manchester had paid more than $28.5 million to victims and $360,000 for counseling. Listed “in process” was Paul Stevens,97 who was assigned in 1974 and resigned in 1987, and listed for abuse of a 13- and 16-year-old girl. Peter Hutchins represented more than 200 victims over 17 years.98
Thomas F. Crowe was part of a December 2002 settlement between six victims and five priests. He was accused of abusing a 13-year-old boy in 1949 to 1950.99 The other priests were Donald Osgood, Gerald Joyal, Francis McMullen, Thomas Crowe and Paul Vadenboncoeur. Those six victims received $542,550 from the diocese. This settlement brought to 84 the total number of settlements. The woman received $275,000 and the lowest amount was $40,000. Hutchins said he had five more cases to settle.100 McMullen was accused of molesting a girl in 1958 and a boy after that.101 Vadeboncoeur was accused of abusing a girl 15-17 years old in 1955-57, and of abuse of a boy in 1950. He died in 1971.102
Daniel Brown filed suit against McCormack and the diocese, arguing his HIV status was caused by a rape by Wilfred Houle when Brown was 16 years old. Brown asked for $30 million in damages. Brown said he had been coerced into an earlier settlement for $490,000 when he hoped to get $2,250,000. “Father Willy” was known to others for providing drugs and sex and frequenting gay bars.103 Houle died of AIDS in 1987.
Gordon MacRae settled with some of his victims out of court.104
Edward Richard was sued by a client of Mitchell Garabedian. He was accused of abuse of a male at least twice in 1987. This claim settled in 2020 in the low five figures.105
George St. Jean was accused to the diocese, in 2004, and to the oblates, in 2008, of abuse in 1960 or 1961. Two new suits were filed in 2010. Both suits settled in 2012, although the plaintiff was murdered Sept. 9, 2011. There was debate whether he had been from Boston or Manchester.106 In 2011, John Doe v. Diocese of Manchester and Oblates of Mary Immaculate alleged St. Jean had repeatedly abused Doe in 1967-1968. Another lawsuit about St. Jean was filed by John Labbe on May 18, 2010. The diocese later reported the 2004 complaint to the attorney general and the 2008 complaint to the victim’s sister. John Doe resisted the diocese’s argument that he must identify himself.107
John T. Sullivan settled in high five in figures in 2021.108
Edward J. Zalewski was accused in 2007 of abuse of a 12-year-old girl in 1956, and also accused of abuse of an 11-year-old boy in 1963. The boy said he reported the abuse to the police. The male victim received $30,000 from the diocese in February 2021109 and gave up his rights to sue further; his name was redacted.110
In March 2024, the Diocese settled an abuse claim charged by a teenager in 1973 and 1974 against Alfred Jannetta. The settlement was six figures. His lawyer, Mitchell Garabedian, said the discussions had taken at least two years.111
There are others about whom we have learned more details of their abuse.
Other Misconduct
Leo A. Allyson was accused in 2003 of fondling a 6- to 9-year-old in a car and at a camp between 1946 and 1949.112
Sylvio Beaudet was accused of fondling and masturbating a 12-year-old in 1960-1961. He died in 1976.113
Aime A. Boiselle was accused by three men in 2002 of abuse in the 1960s. There were additional complaints about 1983, 1995, and 1996. He also had encounters with adults at gay bars.114
Maurice Boulanger was accused of sodomy and mutual oral sex in 1978-1979.115
Brother Dennis was accused of groping a 7-year-old in 1970.116
Brother Henry was accused of abuse in 1961 at Bishop Bradley High School.117
Francisco Cardona was a seminarian credibly accused of abusing two teenage students in the 1980s.118
Joseph A. Cote was accused in 2002 and retired.119
Roland P. Cote was accused of paying for a sexual relationship with an allegedly 18-year-old boy.120 Bishop McCormack admitted he knew Cote paid the teen for sex. Criminal charges were not brought because the age of consent in New Hampshire is 16.121
Brother Leon Cyr was accused of abuse in the 1980s by four plaintiffs.122 He was included in the lawsuit against Brother Beaulieu, Brother Leo Labbe, and Brother Ronald Dupuis.123
Denis P. Downey was accused in 2005 and 2007 of abuse in the 1950s and 1960s.124
Patrick Dubreuil was accused in 2004 of abuse in the 1970s of a girl ages 13-16. Two sisters said Dubreuil had kissed and hugged them. Dubreuil was laicized before the allegations were made.125
Gregoire Dumont was accused of abuse of a 14-year-old from 1978 to 1984.126
Edouard J. Duval was accused of abuse before 1981 and named in the attorney general’s report.127
Roger E. Fournier (sometimes Fornier) was accused of 1973 abuse.128
J. Delphine Gagne was accused in 2003 of abuse in 1950 against a 13- or 14-year-old.129
Marcel Genereux was accused of abuse in 1957-1958 by a girl who reported the abuse in 1958. Genereux was removed from his work but broke the girl’s arm when he saw her at a party. There are also reports from two other victims.130
Leo P. Gilbert was accused of abuse of a 6-year-old girl in 1937. The allegation arose in 2006.131
James W. Haller was accused in 2002 of an inappropriate relationship with a girl 20 years earlier. He said he was sorry he could not marry her.132
Antony Muthu Hilary was accused in 1995 of abuse of girls in Kottar, India.133
Albert Lirette was accused in 2003 of abuse at his mother’s home.134
Brother Leroy F. Lamont was accused, in a 2002 allegation, of abuse in the late 1960s.135
Patricia A. Long was a Holy Cross sister accused of abuse with a girl age 11-15 from 1973 to 1978. The girl confronted her in 1982. Long married the church’s monsignor and became a United Church of Christ minister under the name Patricia A. Dabbah.136
Richard T. Lower was accused of sexual misconduct in 1989 and was cleared to return to work. In 2002 another man accused him of abuse in 1973. After hearing of the new allegations Lower apparently committed suicide.137
Andrew Meehan was ordained in 1993, after being married and raising children and grandchildren. He told therapists of past sexual conduct with boys. He was granted early retirement.138
Rocco C. Memolo was accused of a boy’s abuse with oral sex and penetration from 1976 to 1977. There were approximately 100 occasions.139
Albert J. Morel was at Bishop Guertin High School, where he allegedly fondled a former student after unzipping his pants.140
Russell J. Neighbor was accused in 2004 of abuse of a 16-year-old boy in the 1960s. They had wrestled in their underwear.141
J. Joseph Sands a Trappist, who died in 1979, was accused in 2003 of abuse from 1966 to 1969. Sands was murdered in 1979 trying to resolve a hostage situation; he was himself taken hostage by a couple who had been mental patients and he was shot and killed. The couple then killed themselves.142 A family of three said their lives were saved by Sands.143
Joseph E. Shields was accused of abuse at a golf course in 1974.144
John J. Sullivan was accused in 2004 of abuse in the 1970s. He died in 1984.145
Roland E. Tancrede was accused of abuse and stripped of his priesthood.146
Eugene Turcotte, who died in 1968, was accused in 2005 of molesting a girl from 1949 to 1953 when she was 4-8 years old. 147
Armand Turgeon was accused in 2005 of abuse of a 14-year-old in 1956.148
John Voglio was accused in 2002 of abuse in 1982, when he was a church Brother. He then became a priest in New York, where he was “credibly accused” of abuse and removed from the priesthood. He has been on the New York and the Salesians lists of accused. In 2023, he is president of the Mary F. Clancy Charities, co-founded by another accused priest, John Harrington, that gives scholarships to children. He mingles with children at charity events. Voglio was never charged with a crime so did not need to report his abuse. Personnel at the charity praised his great involvement and work with children.149
Patrick Walsh was accused in 2002 of abuse in 1991-1993. 150
You’d think the cases would be over by now, and that we would have heard enough of this abuse. But the opening of the SOL, described above, has launched new lawsuits that the courts are currently hearing.
New Lawsuits
Recall that New Hampshire abolished its statute of limitations as of 2021. A 2021 lawsuit accuses New Hampshire Bishop Peter Libasci of the Manchester Diocese of committing sexual abuse of a minor in 1983 and 1984, while he was a priest in New York. Libasci’s status in the church is unchanged during the lawsuit.151 The lawsuit was filed in New York, and has been delayed due to bankruptcy in the Rockville Diocese.152 The plaintiff died in July 2024, “leaving the status of his civil case against the bishop uncertain.”153
In April 2021, seven New Hampshire abuse lawsuits were filed against the Legion of Christ, which had operated a school in Center Harbor. One of the lawsuits involved Rhode Island. The Legion’s founder, Marcial Maciel Degollado, worked with children and abused them. Much of the abuse was from the 1990s. Brother David Consoli is named. Oscar Turrian and David Steffy are listed as well.154 Daniel McCallion also was identified as an abuser, and the lawsuit claimed the Legion knew and did nothing about it. Francisco Cardona and Fernando Cutanda were named. Maciel is accused by 60 victims.155 Cutanda is alleged to have abused two boys in the 1980s, and rape was included.156 John Doe sued the Legion of Christ and the Immaculate Conception Apostolic School because of abuse committed against him by Cutanda.157 The Center Harbor School was dismissed from the Connecticut lawsuit, which was in Connecticut, because it was in New Hampshire.158 Turrion/Torrion was a Spanish priest accused of abusing a boy in the 1990s. 159
Seven more New Hampshire abuse lawsuits were filed in June 2022, five on June 19, 2022 and two the week before that. The plaintiffs alleged Edward Richards molested them while they slept. The bishop also was a defendant. “Always the boys were asleep and woke up to find Richard fondling them.” Roland Veilette was accused of abuse in his car from 1956 to 1958. Donald Osgood was named. Two lawsuits identify Francis Lamother as the abuser and a “groomer.” Stephen Scruton was also accused. An unnamed priest was accused of abuse more than 100 times; that abuse took place at St. Jean Baptist in Manchester from 1959 to 1963. 160
The SOL has been relevant to a recent case. 161 The survivor brought it against Camp Fatima and the Bishop of Manchester for abuse from 1974-1976. Defense lawyers said a case from the 1970s would have to be tried in the 1980s, and it had not been. “At this point, the defendants have a constitutionally vested right, and the case law is clear that right cannot be deprived by further legislative action,” said their lawyer. The victims’ lawyers said it was clear that the state can change the SOL, and the new law says there is no SOL for sexual abuse. 162
A lawsuit charged that priests abused children at the Pine Haven Boys Center. The center is run by an Italian order of priests, the Somascans, and is a private, non-profit facility.
Like his father, John Doe #435 alleges some of the priests were heavy drinkers, and they were physically, sexually and emotionally abusive. At some point a Father Robert touched the child’s genitals and tried to get him to reciprocate, according to the lawsuit. When the child resisted, he was beaten. Afterward, the boy used a belt in an attempt hang himself. He was pulled down before he succumbed. He received no medical or mental health treatment. Instead, he was placed in seclusion and made to write: “I will not try to harm myself” 300 times in a notepad.163
At the end as at the beginning, the SOLs are determining the fate of the cases.
Lists
Whether the churches report their abusers or keep their names secret has been a huge source of controversy across the states. Many churches have kept silent.
The Diocese of Manchester (New Hampshire)164 reported its list of abusers. Its first section was headed “cases concluded,” which “contains the names of priests incardinated in the Diocese of Manchester who have been found guilty of sexually abusing a minor by the Church after a canonical process or by the Government after a criminal process. With respect to the canonical process, the priests whose names are included in this section (1) admitted to sexually abusing a minor; (2) were dismissed from the clerical state; (3) voluntarily sought and obtained laicization after an admission of guilt or in lieu of dismissal; or (4) were assigned to a life of prayer and penance, with no ministry possible. With respect to criminal convictions, the priests whose names are included in this section were convicted after a criminal trial or pled guilty to sexually abusing a minor.” 165
Paul Aube. Ordained 1970. Laicized.
Aime Boiselle. Ordained 1959. Assigned to a life of prayer and penance, deceased.
Albion Bulger. Ordained 1956. Assigned to a life of prayer and penance, deceased.
Gerald Chalifou. Ordained 1952. Assigned to a life of prayer and penance, deceased.
Ronald Corriveau. Ordained 1971. Laicized.
Joseph Cote. Ordained 1951. Assigned to a life of prayer and penance, deceased.
Robert Densmore. Ordained 1961. Assigned to a life of prayer and penance, deceased.
Mark Fleming. Ordained 1980. Laicized.
Roger Fortier. Ordained 1980. Convicted; laicized; deceased.
James Haller. Ordained 1962. Assigned to a life of prayer and penance.
Alfred Jannetta, Ordained 1967. Assigned to a life of prayer and penance, deceased.
Raymond Laferriere. Ordained 1960. Assigned to a life of prayer and penance, deceased.
Gordon MacRaw. Ordained 1982. Convicted.
Joseph Maguire. Ordained 1973. Convicted, deceased.
Andrew Meehan. Ordained 1993. Assigned to a life of prayer and penance, deceased.
John Nolin. Ordained 1960. Laicized.
Donald Osgood. Ordained 1955. Laicized. Deceased.
Eugene Pelletier. Ordained 1953. Assigned to a life of prayer and penance, deceased.
Philip Petit. Ordained 1980. Laicized.
John Poirier. Ordained 1971. Assigned to a life of prayer and penance.
Edward Richard. Ordained 1968. Assigned to a life of prayer and penance, deceased.
George Robichaud. Ordained 1970. Deceased.
Stephen Scruton. Ordained 1960. Laicized. Deceased.
Leo Shea. Ordained 1964. Convicted. Assigned to a life of prayer and penance, deceased.
Francis Talbot. Ordained 1963. Convicted. Assigned to a life of prayer and penance, deceased.
Roland Tancrede. Ordained 1947. Assigned to a life of prayer and penance, deceased.
Romeo Valliere. Ordained 1963. Assigned to a life of prayer and penance, deceased.
The next section includes cases in process with diocesan priests “where the canonical proceedings against those priests have not yet been resolved.” 166
Paul Stevens. Ordained 1969. Absent from ministry.
The next group includes priests accused after laicization. 167 They were not laicized for sexual abuse. These cases went to the Attorney General instead of to the canonical process of the church.
Patrick Dubreuil. Ordained 1975. Laicized.
Paul Groleau. Ordained 1969. Laicized.
Alfred Lapointe. Ordained 1966. Laicized; deceased.
David Morley. Ordained 1961. Laicized, deceased.
The next category includes deceased priests whose criminal or canonical proceedings were never completed.
Charles Authier. Ordained 1944.
Gerard Beaudet. Ordained 1972.
Silvio Beaudet. Ordained 1939.
Wilfrid Bombardier. Ordained 1943.
Albert Boulanger. Ordained 1962.
John Boyd. Ordained 1914.
Albert Burke (Burque). Ordained 1919.
Richard Connors. Ordained 1969.
Alfred Constant. Ordained 1916.
Thomas Crowe. Ordained 1947.
Karl Dowd. Ordained 1960.
Denis Downey. Ordained 1936.
Gregoire Dumont. Ordained 1951.
Edouard Duval. Ordained 1946.
J. Delphin Gagne. Ordained 1944.
Mark Gauthier. Ordained 1969.
Wilfred Houle. Ordained 1975.
Gerald Joyal. Ordained 1945.
Conrad LaForest. Ordained 1972.
Francis Lamothe. Ordained 1933.
Harvey Lamothe. Ordained 1947.
Maurice Leclerc. Ordained 1937.
Richard Lower. Ordained 1971.
Hubert Mann. Ordained 1936.
Francis McMullen. Ordained 1944.
Rocco Memolo. Ordained 1976.
Russell Neighbor. Ordained 1954.
William P. Neiman. Ordained 1948.
Joseph P. Sands. Ordained 1958.
John J. Sullivan. Ordained 1956.
John T. Sullivan. Ordained 1942.
Paul Vadeboncoeur. Ordained 1937.
Ronald Veillette. Ordained 1951.
Edward Zalewski. Ordained 1956.
The next category includes members of “religious orders, eparchies, or dioceses who were assigned by the Bishop of Manchester to ministry.” 168 These names are listed for “transparency and healing,” 169 as there was nothing the archdiocese could do about these people, all of whom had been accused of sexual abuse of a minor. They are Philip Breton of the Archdiocese of Boston; Leo Landry of the Stigmatine Fathers; Edmond J. Lemire of the Diocese of Sherbrooke; Marcel Genereux of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate; Michael Ledoux of the Order of Friars Minor; George Roulier of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate; and Peter Walsh of the Order of Friars Minor.
In April 2024, the Diocese added three names to the list: George Desjardins was added to Cases Concluded. He is alive and prohibited from ministry. Matthew Schultz was added to Cases in Process, and is prohibited from ministry. Andre Thibodeau was added to the Deceased List for report of abuse of a minor. 170
Conclusion
The cases continue and continue. Fortunately, opening the statutes of limitations allows more victims to turn into survivors, who have their abuse recognized and compensated, and their abusers recognized for who they are.
* I am grateful to Jan Leibovitz Alloy for her detailed comments on the manuscript, and to Yashmeeta Sharma, John Bolliger, Colin Meenk, Lydia Anderson, Rachel Blum, Angelo Harlan De Crescenzo, Macie Nielsen, Harrison Epstein and Carressa Browder for their help with its research and arguments.
1 Troy v. Bishop Guertin High School, 307 A.3d 525 (N.H. 2023).
2 Id. at 528.
3 Id. at 530.
4 Troy v. Bishop Guertin High School, 307 A.3d 525, n. 1 (N.H. 2023) (emphasis added).
5 See Leslie Griffin, on Sexual Abuse in the Catholic Church, https://childusa.org/leslie-griffin-on-sexual-abuse-in-the-catholic-church/, posts on Louisiana and Maine.
6 Troy, 307 A.3d at 531–32.
7 Id. at 531.
8 Marie T. Reilly, Catholic Dioceses in Bankruptcy, 49 Seton Hall L. Rev. 871 (2019), https://elibrary.law.psu.edu/bankruptcy/.
9 CHILD USA, New Hampshire: Child Sex Abuse SOLs, 2023 SOL Tracker, https://childusa.org/law/new-hampshire/sex-abuse-sol/.
10 CHILD USA, New Hampshire: Child Sex Abuse SOLs, 2023 SOL Tracker, https://childusa.org/law/new-hampshire/sex-abuse-sol/ [hereinafter New Hampshire SOL Tracker].
11 Tim Camerato, Calls for more action, change in N.H. law after priests sexual abuse list released, Valley News, Aug. 2, 2019, https://www.vnews.com/Upper-Valley-Priests-on-List-of-Clergy-Accused-of-Sexual-Abuse-27422908.
12 Kathryn Marchocki, Bishop: Time for Peace, Love, Pardon. Alleged Nashua Victim to Sue Guertin, Union Leader (Manchester, NH), Mar. 29, 2002, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/news3/2002_03_29_Marchocki_BishopTime_Roger_Argencourt_10.htm.
13 Bishop Guertin Settles Molestation Suits, Union Leader, Jun. 3, 2004, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/news3/2004_06_03_UnionLeader_BishopGuertin_Guy_Beaulieu_3.htm.
14 Fr. George H. Robichaud, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/robichaud-george-h-1970/.
15 Id.
16 Id.
17 See New Hampshire SOL Tracker; see also Wheeler v. Monadnock Cmty. Hosp., 171 A.2d 23 (N.H. 1961) (concluding, “[i]n this jurisdiction it is established doctrine that hospitals and charitable institutions enjoy no immunity from liability for negligence.” (citing Welch v. Frisbie Memorial Hosp., 9 A.2d 761 (N.H. 1939))).
18 See, e.g., Leslie Griffin, on Sexual Abuse in the Catholic Church, https://childusa.org/leslie-griffin-on-sexual-abuse-in-the-catholic-church/, Massachusetts blog posts.
19 Child Welfare Information Gateway, Clergy as Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect, U.S. Dep’t Health Hum. Serv., Admin. Child. Fam., Child. Bureau (2019), https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubpdfs/clergymandated.pdf; N.H. Rev. Stat. §§ 169-C:32, C:29.
20 Child Welfare Information Gateway, supra note 19; N.H. Rev. Stat. §§ 169-C:32, C:29.
21 J.M. Hirsch, N.H. Says Church Was ‘Blind’ to Sex Abuse, Our Midland (Mar. 2, 2003), https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/N-H-Says-Church-Was-Blind-to-Sex-Abuse-7204383.php.
22 Special Reports: Catholic Bishops and Sex Abuse: Bishop John McCormack, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/resources/resource-files/databases/DallasMorningNewsBishops.htm#angell.
23 Fox Butterfield, Report Details Sex Abuse by Priests and Inaction by a Diocese, N.Y. Times (Mar. 4, 2003), https://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/04/us/report-details-sex-abuse-by-priests-and-inaction-by-a-diocese.html.
24 Stephen Kurkjian, N.H. diocese admits likely violations, Boston Globe (Dec. 11, 2002), https://www.poynter.org/reporting-editing/2002/n-h-diocese-admits-likely-violations/.
25 Id.
26 Peter W. Heed, Attorney General, Report on the Investigation of the Diocese of Manchester, Mar. 3, 2003, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/reports/2003_03_03_NHAG/.
27 Id.
28 Annmarie Timmins, Some Suspended Priests Still Paid No Accused or Convicted Clergy Have Been Defrocked, Concord Monitor (Feb. 18, 2005), https://www.bishop-accountability.org/news3/2005_02_18_Timmins_SomeSuspended_Aime_Boisselle_ETC_1.htm.
29 Jody Record, Priest Pleads Guilty to Additional Charge, Union Leader (Nov. 17, 1998), https://www.bishop-accountability.org/news3/1998_11_17_Record_PriestsPleads_Roger_Fortier_11.htm; Fr. Roger Armand Fortier, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/fortier-roger-armand-1980/; J.M. Hirsch, N.H. Says Church Was ‘Blind’ to Sex Abuse, Our Midland, (Mar. 2, 2003), https://www.theintelligencer.com/news/article/N-H-Says-Church-Was-Blind-to-Sex-Abuse-10520585.php.
30 State v. Fortier, 780 A.2d 1243 (N.H. 2001).
31 Id. at 1253.
32 Id. at 1255.
33 Fr. Gordon J. MacRae, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/macrae-gordon-j-1982/.
34 Id.
35 Fr. Joseph T. Maguire, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/maguire-joseph-t-1973/.
36 Hadley Barndollar, 45 Seacoast priests on child sex abuse list, Foster’s Daily Democrat (last updated Aug. 1, 2019, 7:39 PM),
37 Fr. Francis A. Talbot, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/talbot-francis-a-1963/.
38 Fr. Frederick L. Guthrie, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/guthrie-frederick-l-1962/.
39 Laurel J. Sweet, Former Priest Arrested in Child Sexual Abuse Sting, Boston Herald (Nov. 7, 2001), https://www.bishop-accountability.org/news3/2001_11_07_Sweet_FormerPriest_Frederick_Guthrie_2.htm; Fr. Frederick L. Guthrie, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/guthrie-frederick-l-1962/.
40 Fr. George H. Robichaud, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/robichaud-george-h-1970/.
41 Id.
42 Last Robichaud Charges Dropped, Concord Monitor (Aug. 7, 2003), https://www.bishop-accountability.org/news/2003_08_07_CM_LastRobichaud.htm.
43 Fr. Stephen Scruton, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/scruton-stephen-1960/.
44 Fr. Leo Alfred Shea, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/shea-leo-alfred-1964/.
45 Fr. Mark Fleming, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/fleming-mark-1980/.
46 Fr. William P. Neiman, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/neiman-william-p-1948/.
47 Kathryn Marchocki, Monsignor: N.H. Priest Files Destroyed to Conceal Abuse Evidence, Union Leader, Jan. 8, 2023, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/news/2003_01_08_Marchocki_MonsignorNH.htm.
48 Fr. Philip A. Petit, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/petit-philip-a-1980/.
49 Fr. Roland W. Veilette, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/veilette-roland-w-1951/.
50 Jeanne Wilfort, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/wilfort-jeanne/.
51 Kathryn Marchocki, Sister Jane McDonald, 51; Had Filed Sex Assault Lawsuit, Union Leader, Aug. 2, 2003, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/news5/2003_08_02_Marchocki_SisterJane.htm.
52 Moe v. Trustees of the Stigmatine Fathers, Not Reported in N.E.2d (2008), 24 Mass.L.Rptr. 125 (2008).
53 In re Grand Jury Proceedings, 2005 WL 678994 (New Hampshire Superior Court, March 22, 2005).
54 Annmarie Timmins, Church Settles with Alleged Abuse Victims, Concord Monitor (Nov. 27, 2002), https://www.bishop-accountability.org/ma-bos/settlements/SettlementManchester.html; Hayward, supra note 320.
55 Stephen Kurkjian, N.H. Diocese agrees to pay more than $5m in settlements, Boston Globe (Nov. 27, 2002), https://archive.boston.com/globe/spotlight/abuse/stories3/112702_nh.htm; Hayward, supra note 320.
56 Ralph Ranalli, Church, Victims Reach Deal in N.H., Boston Globe (May 23, 2003), https://www.bishop-accountability.org/ma-bos/settlements/SettlementManchester.html.
57 Hadley Barndollar, 45 Seacoast priests on child sex abuse list, Foster’s Daily Democrat (last updated Aug. 1, 2019, 7:39 PM), https://www.fosters.com/story/news/2019/08/01/45-seacoast-priests-on-child-sex-abuse-list/4558660007/.
58 Fr. Wilfrid F. Bombardier, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/bombardier-wilfrid-f-1943/.
59 Mark Hayward, NH Diocese Will Pay $5 Million to 62 Victims, Union Leader (Nov. 27, 2002), https://www.bishop-accountability.org/news/2002_11_27_Hayward_NHDiocese.htm.
60 Id.
61 Br. Roger Argencourt, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/argencourt-roger/.
62 J.M. Hirsch, Once-Abusive Priest Gives Evidence against Church, Boston Globe (Feb. 16, 2003), https://www.bishop-accountability.org/news2003_01_06/2003_02_16_Hirsch_OnceAbusive.htm; Fr. Paul L. Aube, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/aube-paul-l-1970/ (last visited July 30, 2023).
63 Fr. Charles Authier, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/authier-charles-1944/.
64 Pat Grossmith, Allegations Revealed in Lawsuit Settled vs. Manchester Diocese, Manchester Union Leader (Oct. 12, 2002), https://www.bishop-accountability.org/news/2002_10_12_Grossmith_AllegationsRevealed.htm.
65 Fr. Hubert F. Mann, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/mann-hubert-f-1936/.
66 Fr. Leo Alfredo Shea, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/shea-leo-alfred-1964/.
67 Fr. Francis A. Talbot, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/talbot-francis-a-1963/.
68 Fr. Gerard J. Beaudet, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/beaudet-gerard-j-1949/.
69 Annmarie Timmins, Church Settles 4 Cases Priest Sex Abuse Claims Detailed, Concord Monitor (Apr. 28, 2005), https://www.bishop-accountability.org/news2005_01_06/2005_04_28_Timmins_ChurchSettles.htm.
70 Fr. Romeo J. Valliere, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/valliere-romeo-j-1963/.
71 Fr. John J. Boyd, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/boyd-john-j-1914/.
72 Br. Guy Beaulieu, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/beaulieu-guy/.
73 Bishop Guertin Settles Molestation Suits, Union Leader (Jun. 3, 2004), https://www.bishop-accountability.org/news3/2004_06_03_UnionLeader_BishopGuertin_Guy_Beaulieu_3.htm.
74 Last Robichaud Charges Dropped, Concord Monitor (Aug. 7, 2003), https://www.bishop-accountability.org/news/2003_08_07_CM_LastRobichaud.htm.
75 Fr. Gerald F. Chalifour, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/chalifour-gerald-f-1952/
76 Fr. Richard W. Connors, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/connors-richard-w-1969/
77 Fr. Alfred J. Constant, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/constant-alfred-j-1916/
78 Fr. Ronald E. Corriveau, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/corriveau-ronald-e-1971/
79 Diocese of Manchester NH, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/densmore-robert-j-1961/
80 Fr. Karl E. Dowd, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/dowd-karl-e-1960/.
81 Abe Levy, S.A. archdiocese settles priest molestation lawsuit, San Antonio Express-News (last updated Jan. 8, 2013, 6:50 PM), https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/gauthier-mark-o-1969/
82 Fr. Paul E. Gorleau, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/groleau-paul-e-1969/.
83 Fr. Alfred L. Jannetta, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/jannetta-alfred-l-1967/.
84 Fr. Francis R. Lamothe, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/lamothe-francis-r-1933/.
85 Rev. Harvey Lamothe, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/assign/Lamothe_Harvey.htm.
86 Fr. Edmund Lemire, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/lemire-edmund/.
87 Fr. Joseph T. Maguire, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/maguire-joseph-t-1973/.
88 Fr. Stephen Scruton, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/scruton-stephen-1960/ .
89 Timmons, supra note 54, and Kurkjian, supra note 55.
90 Susan Snyder & John P. Martin, Former Widener Dean Had Abuse Settlement in the Past, Philadelphia Inquirer (Jan. 4, 2013), https://www.inquirer.com/philly/education/20130104_Former_Widener_dean_had_abuse_settlement_in_the_past.html.
91 Kathryn Marchocki, Bishop Removes 7 NH Priests Accused of Sexual Misconduct, Union Leader (Feb. 16, 2002), https://www.bishop-accountability.org/news3/2002_02_16_Marchocki_BishopRemoves_Laferrier_etc_1.htm.
92 Fr. Eugene Pelletier, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/pelletier-eugene-1953/ .
93 Fr. John R. Poirier, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/poirier-john-r-1971/ .
94 Fr. Albion F. Bulger, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/bulger-albion-f-1956/ .
95 Fr. Albert J. Burque, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/burque-albert-j-1919/ .
96 Fr. David Morley, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/morley-david-1961/ .
97 Fr. Paul G. Stevens, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/stevens-paul-g-1969/ .
98 Barndollar, supra note 36.
99 Fr. Thomas F. Crowe, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/crowe-thomas-f-1947/ .
100 Kathryn Marchocki, 6 NJ Victims Settle for $542,500 from Diocese, Union Leader, Dec. 2, 2002, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/news/2002_12_20_Marchocki_6NHVictims.htm.
101 Fr. Frances X. McMullen, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/mcmullen-francis-x-1944/.
102 Fr. Paul E. Vadeboncoeur, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/vadeboncoeur-paul-e-1937/ (Noting different spellings of his name, including “Vadenboncoeur”).
103 Karen Dandurant, $30m Suit Claim Rape by Priest Caused HIV, Portsmouth Herald (Mar. 28, 2008), https://www.bishop-accountability.org/news2008/03_04/2008_03_28_Dandurant_30mSuit.htm.
104 Fr. Gordon J. MacRae, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/macrae-gordon-j-1982/.
105 Fr. Edward D. Richard, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/richard-edward-d-1968/ .
106 Fr. George St. Jean, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/st-jean-george/ .
107 John Doe v. Diocese of Manchester and Oblates of Mary Immaculate, BishopAccountability.org (Apr. 6, 2011), https://www.bishop-accountability.org/news2011/03_04/2011_04_06_Bishopaccountabilityorg_JohnDoe.htm (Full case files are available at https://www.bishop-accountability.org/legal/Manchester/St_Jean/John_Doe_v_Manchester_Diocese_and_Oblates/).
108 Names of 22 sexually abusive clergy added to the list at www.garabedian.com in April 2022, bringing the total to 383, L. Off. Mitchell Garabedian (2022); Fr. John Thomas Sullivan, Bishop Accountability, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/sullivan-john-thomas-1942/.
109 Fr. Edward J. Zalewski, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/zalewski-edward-j-1956/.
110 Settlement Agreement and General Release, Roman Catholic Bishop of Manchester (2021), https://www.bishopaccountability.org/news555/2021_02_12_Settlement_Agreement_re_Zalewski.pdf.
111 Hannah Cotter, Diocese of Manchester settles sexual abuse claim from 1970s, WMUR, Mar. 26, 2024, https://www.wmur.com/article/diocese-manchester-settlement-sexual-abuse-32624/60310743.
112 Fr. Leo A. Allyson, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/allyson-leo-a-1934/.
113 Fr. Sylvio J. Beaudet BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/beaudet-sylvio-j-1939/.
114 Fr. Aime A. Boisselle, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/boisselle-aime-a-1959/; Amy McConnell, Files Reveal a Lesser-Known, Sordid Side of Boisselle, Concord Monitor, Mar. 4, 2003, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/news/2003_03_04_McConnell_FilesReveal.htm.
115 Fr. Maurice R. Boulanger, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/boulanger-maurice-r/.
116 Brother Dennis, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/brother-dennis/.
117 Brother Henry, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/brother-henry/.
118 Seminarian Francisco Cardona, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/cardona-francisco/.
119 Fr. Joseph A. Cote, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/cote-joseph-a-1951/.
120 Fr. Roland P. Cote, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/cote-roland-p-1971/.
121 Kathryn Marchocki, McCormack Admits Knowing Rev. Cote Paid Teen for Sex, Union Leader, Dec. 24, 2002, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/news3/2002_12_24_Marchocki_McCormackAdmits_Roland_Cote_8.htm.
122 Br. Leon Cyr, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/cyr-leon/.
123 Kathryn Marchocki, Hudson Man Sues, Claiming Abuse at Bishop Guertin HS, Manchester Union Leader, Oct. 2, 2003, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/news/2003_10_02_Marchocki_HudsonMan.htm.
124 Fr. Denis P. Downey, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/downey-denis-p-1936/.
125 Fr. Patrick Dubreuil, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/dubreuil-patrick/.
126 Fr. Gregoire Dumont, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/dumont-gregoire-1951/.
127 Fr. Edouard J. Duval, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/duval-edouard-j-1946/.
128 Fr. Roger E. Fournier, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/fournier-roger-e-1970/.
129 Fr. J. Delphine Gagne, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/gagne-j-delphine-1944/.
130 Fr. Marcel Genereux, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/genereux-marcel-1939/.
131 Fr. Leo P. Gilbert, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/gilbert-leo-p-1934/.
132 Fr. James W. Haller, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/haller-james-w-1962/.
133 Fr. Antony Muthu Hilary, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/hilary-antony-muthu-1970/.
134 Fr. Albert Lirette, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/lirette-albert-1945/.
135 Fr Leroy F. Lamont, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/lamont-leroy-f/.
136 Patricia A. Long, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/long-patricia-a/.
137 Fr. Richard T. Lower, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/lower-richard-t-1971/.
138 Fr. Andrew Meehan, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/meehan-andrew-1993/.
139 Fr. Rocco C Memolo, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/memolo-rocco-c-1976/.
140 Fr. Albert J. Morel, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/morel-albert-j/
141 Fr. Russell J. Neighbor, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/neighbor-russell-j-1954/.
142 Fr. J. Joseph Sands, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/sands-j-joseph-1958/.
143 Priest Dies in Murder-Suicide, New Mexican, May 13, 1979, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/news13/1979_05_13_NewMexican_PriestDies_Joseph_Sands_1.htm.
144 Fr. Joseph E. Shields, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/shields-joseph-e-1936/.
145 Fr. John J. Sullivan, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/sullivan-john-j-1956/.
146 Fr. Roland E. Tancrede, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/tancrede-roland-e-1947/.
147 Fr. Eugene Turcotte, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/turcotte-eugene/.
148 Fr. Armand A. Turgeon, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/turgeon-armand-a-1943/.
149 Fr. John Voglio, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/voglio-john-1987/. See also Kate Martin & Corky Siemaszko, Defrocked Catholic priest accused of molesting a boy still runs charity for kids, NBC News, Mar. 25, 2023, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2023/03/defrocked-catholic-priest-accused-of-molesting-a-boy-still-runs-charity-for-kids/; Paul E. Brodeur, Diocese of Manchester: Complaints Re: Priest, Mar. 28, 2002, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/NH-Manchester/archives/Voglio-1.pdf.
150 Fr. Patrick Walsh, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/walsh-patrick-1991/.
151 Michael Casey, New Hampshire bishop accused of abusing teenage boy, AP, July 22, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/religion-new-hampshire-sexual-abuse-by-clergy-4805abd8030663c9947bd83f3b362570.
152 Damien Fisher, Sex Abuse Lawsuit Against Manchester, NH Bishop Libasci Moves Forward, InDepthNH.org, Nov. 30, 2023, https://indepthnh.org/2023/11/30/sex-abuse-lawsuit-against-manchester-nh-bishop-libasci-moves-forward/.
153 Dave Pierce, Status of suit against Manchester bishop uncertain after accuser dies, UnionLeader, Jul. 30, 2024, https://www.unionleader.com/news/courts/status-of-suit-against-manchester-bishop-uncertain-after-accuser-dies/article_d950459e-4eb7-11ef-ba2e-f73ec4ebb22f.html.
154 Fr. David Steffy, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/steffy-david-1994/.
155 Damien Fisher, Legion of Christ facing seven new sex abuse lawsuits, Union Leader, Apr. 29, 2021, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2021/05/legion-of-christ-facing-seven-new-sex-abuse-lawsuits/.
156 Br. Fernando Cutanda, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/cutanda-fernando/.
157 Doe v. Legion of Christ Incorporated, Case 3:17-cv-01394, Filed 8/7/17, D. Ct., https://www.bishop-accountability.org/news555/2017_08_17_US_District_Court_CT_John_Doe.pdf.
158 Damien Fisher, Legion of Christ N.H. School Dismissed from Sex Abuse Lawsuit, InDepthNH.org, Mar. 14, 2022, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/2022/03/legion-of-christ-n-h-school-dismissed-from-sex-abuse-lawsuit/.
159 Fr. Oscar Turrion, BishopAccountability.org, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/accused/turrion-oscar-2001/.
160 7 New Suits Allege Abuse by Priests, Union Leader, Jun. 20, 2022, https://www.bishop-accountability.org/news3/2002_06_20_UnionLeader_7New_Francis_Lamothe_Etc.htm.
161 Ray Brewer, Judge weights statute of limitations in sexual abuse case against Catholic diocese, camp, WMUR, Jun. 4, 2024, https://www.wmur.com/article/statute-limitations-sexual-abuse-lawsuit-nh-6424/60993491.
162 Ray Brewer, Judge weights statute of limitations in sexual abuse case against Catholic diocese, camp, WMUR, Jun. 4, 2024, https://www.wmur.com/article/statute-limitations-sexual-abuse-lawsuit-nh-6424/60993491.
163 Pat Grossmith, 8 more lawsuits with allegations of sexual and physical abuse at YDC and contracted facilities, including 1 operated by Catholic priests, Manchester InkLink, Oct. 5, 2022, https://manchester.inklink.news/8-more-lawsuits-with-allegations-of-sexual-and-physical-abuse-at-ydc-and-contracted-facilities-including-1-operated-by-catholic-priests/.
164 Diocese of Manchester Criteria for Publication of Names of Priests Accused of Sexual Abuse of a Minor Since 1950, https://www.catholicnh.org/view-list/.
165 Diocese of Manchester Criteria for Publication of Names of Priests Accused of Sexual Abuse of a Minor Since 1950, https://www.catholicnh.org/view-list/.
166 Diocese of Manchester Criteria for Publication of Names of Priests Accused of Sexual Abuse of a Minor Since 1950, https://www.catholicnh.org/view-list/.
167 Diocese of Manchester Criteria for Publication of Names of Priests Accused of Sexual Abuse of a Minor Since 1950, https://www.catholicnh.org/view-list/.
168 Diocese of Manchester Criteria for Publication of Names of Priests Accused of Sexual Abuse of a Minor Since 1950, https://www.catholicnh.org/view-list/.
169 Diocese of Manchester Criteria for Publication of Names of Priests Accused of Sexual Abuse of a Minor Since 1950, https://www.catholicnh.org/view-list/.
170 Diocese of Manchester, Diocese of Manchester Adds to List of Clergy Accused of Sexual Abuse of a Minor, Apr. 10, 2024, https://www.catholicnh.org/about/stay-informed/media-releases/clergy-accused/