Here for Survivors To Seek Justice For Catholic Clergy Abuse Across the Diocese of Providence
March 5, 2026 – By Attorney Martin Schmidt
A multiyear investigation by Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha revealed that 75 Catholic priests molested more than 300 victims in the Catholic Diocese of Providence since 1950, though officials believe the actual numbers are likely much higher.
Key Findings:
Systemic Cover-Up: The diocese maintained a “secret archive” and prioritized minimizing scandal over protecting children. Bishops routinely transferred accused priests to new assignments without proper investigation or contacting law enforcement.
Treatment Over Accountability: Starting in the 1950s, the diocese sent accused priests to “spiritual retreat-style facilities” and later to treatment centers, often allowing them to return to ministry. Only 26% of identified clergy ever faced criminal charges, and just 14 were convicted.
Grooming and Abuse Patterns: Survivors described being groomed before abuse. One example involved Monsignor John Allard, who groomed a teenager before sexually abusing him. Despite credible allegations, church leadership intervened to allow Allard to retire without being removed from the priesthood.
Limited Accountability: Even review board members were sometimes abusers themselves. Priest Francis Santilli served on the diocese review board while facing multiple abuse complaints spanning years before finally being removed in 2022.
Context: Rhode Island has the country’s largest Catholic population per capita (nearly 40% of residents). The investigation began in 2019 following Pennsylvania’s landmark 2018 grand jury report. However, Rhode Island law doesn’t allow grand jury reports to become public, forcing the attorney general to negotiate access to church records—a process that came with significant limitations and delays.
CATHOLIC CHURCH SEX ABUSE COVER UP
For decades, whispers of misconduct within the clergy echoed through the corridors of power, only to be met with deafening silence or, worse, active concealment.
It was not until the early 2000s that the floodgates burst open, as a series of high-profile cases brought to light the horrific reality of child sexual abuse perpetrated by those entrusted with spiritual guidance.
As of early 2023, approximately 60 priests and other clergy members in Rhode Island have been credibly accused of sexual abuse or misconduct, with lawsuits and settlements involving both individuals and the Diocese of Providence as an institution.
The Diocese of Providence has paid more than $21 million in settlements to survivors, including a $13.5 million settlement in 2002 involving 36 survivors and a $1.3 million settlement in 2008 for additional claims.
Summary Table: Key Recent Rhode Island Sexual Abuse Criminal Cases
| Name | Alleged Abuse Period | Charges/Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Fisette | 1981–1982 | Indicted 2022, sexual assault of juvenile | Removed from ministry, not laicized |
| James Silva | 1989–1990 | Indicted 2021, multiple counts child molestation | Multiple parishes, long abuse history |
| Edward Kelley | 1983 | Indicted 2021, sexual assault | Found incompetent to stand trial |
| John Petrocelli | Not specified | Indicted 2020, child molestation | Case ongoing in Superior Court |
New Laws Passed in Rhode Island Help Survivors in Court
Civil lawsuits continue to be filed, aided by Rhode Island’s extended statute of limitations, which now allows survivors to sue up to 35 years after their 18th birthday or within seven years of first recalling the abuse.
Compensation Amounts for Church Sex Abuse Survivors
It’s been estimated that the settlement amounts for clergy abuse survivors in Rhode Island is $500,000 per victim – based on past settlements, a few have been paid millions.
By pursuing an abuse claim, you can recover compensation for:
- Your therapy bills, past and future, and other expenses related to the abuse: This includes costs for counseling, medical treatments, and any other expenses directly related to the trauma you endured.
- Your pain and suffering: Compensation for the emotional and psychological distress caused by the abuse. This can cover the long-term impact on your mental health and overall well-being.
- Punitive damages: These are intended to punish the institution that harbored your perpetrator and deter other organizations from engaging in similar cover-ups. It sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
The Process of Pursuing a Church Sex Abuse Claim
Pursuing a clergy abuse claim takes time. It takes time to investigate and gather evidence, and time to develop the right strategy. The sooner you speak with us, the more time we will have to start building a robust and carefully planned case. The Schmidt National Law Group is dedicated to ensuring that every piece of evidence is meticulously collected and that your case is presented in the strongest possible terms.
Take Action Now – File a Catholic Church Abuse Claim
If you or someone you know has been a victim of clergy sex abuse anywhere in Rhode Island, now is the time to take action. Contact us via the 100% Secure intake form above, or simply call us toll free at 1-800-631-5656.
Are you a survivor of Catholic church sexual abuse in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island Catholic Church Clergy Abuse
This new law provides a unique opportunity to seek justice and obtain the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait—reach out to us today to begin the process of healing and holding those responsible accountable.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_abuse_scandal_in_the_Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_Providence
https://riag.ri.gov/press-releases/former-catholic-diocese-priest-indicted-sexual-assault
Rhode Island Clergy Sex Abuse Attorney, Catholic Church Abuse Claims Page Updated on March 5, 2026.