Rhode Island AG Report Finds 75 Providence Diocese Clergy Abused 300+ Children Since 1950 Amid Secret Cover‑Ups
A Rhode Island attorney general’s report found that at least 75 Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Providence abused more than 300 children since 1950, and investigators say the true total is likely higher. It details a secret diocesan archive and systemic cover‑ups — transferring accused priests, operating a 1950s retreat, and using treatment centers, sabbaticals and leaves to recycle abusers rather than investigate or notify law enforcement — highlights cases such as Robert Carpentier, and notes AG Peter Neronha has charged four current and former priests between 2020 and 2022 (three cases still pending).
📌 Key Facts
- The Rhode Island attorney general's completed report finds at least 75 Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Providence abused more than 300 children since 1950, and officials say the true totals are likely higher.
- Investigators uncovered 'damning' diocesan records and a secret archive showing bishops prioritized avoiding scandal, routinely transferring accused priests instead of investigating or notifying law enforcement.
- The diocese used a 'spiritual retreat–style facility' in the early 1950s and later relied on formal treatment centers, sabbaticals and leaves of absence to recycle abusive priests back into ministry — a strategy the report calls 'absurdly pollyannaish.'
- The report includes detailed case examples, including priest Robert Carpentier, who admitted abusing a 13‑year‑old in the 1970s, was sent to a Connecticut treatment center and a Boston College sabbatical, remained on leave with diocesan support until retiring in 2006, and died in 2012.
- Attorney General Peter Neronha says his office charged four current and former priests for alleged sexual abuse in the diocese between 2020 and 2022; three of those cases are still awaiting trial.
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March 04, 2026
4:05 PM
Dozens of Catholic priests molested hundreds of Rhode Island victims over decades, multiyear investigation reveals
New information:
- The completed AG report finds at least 75 Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Providence abused more than 300 children since 1950, with officials stressing the true totals are likely higher.
- Investigators describe 'damning' diocesan records and a secret archive showing bishops prioritized avoiding scandal, routinely transferring accused priests rather than investigating or notifying law enforcement.
- The diocese operated a 'spiritual retreat‑style facility' in the early 1950s and later relied on formal treatment centers, sabbaticals and leaves of absence to recycle abusive priests back into ministry – a strategy the report calls 'absurdly pollyannaish.'
- A detailed case example: priest Robert Carpentier admitted to sexually abusing a 13‑year‑old in the 1970s, was sent to a Connecticut treatment center, then to a Boston College sabbatical, and remained on leave with diocesan support until his retirement in 2006 and death in 2012.
- AG Peter Neronha states his office has charged four current and former priests for alleged sexual abuse in the diocese between 2020 and 2022, with three cases still awaiting trial.