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  Local Teacher Accused of Child Abuse
Albert Vaillancourt Accused of Abuse

By Kathryn Sotnik
WPRI
February 11, 2009

http://www.wpri.com/dpp/news/local_wpri_fall_river_abuse_allegations_20090211

[with video]

FALL RIVER, Mass., (WPRI) - A Catholic school teacher is accused of abuse 20 years ago. The alleged victim claims Albert Vaillancourt molested him on several occasions.

Vaillancourt did pass a lie detector test, but a separate investigation is underway into possible criminal charges. So, far no criminal charges have been filed against Vaillancourt.

But, the alleged victim has filed a suit against him and the Fall River Diocese. The victim, who wished not to be identified, tells his story, only to Eyewitness News.

"When class was adjourned there was no one in the class to see it. The door was kept closed, locked," says the alleged abuse victim.

The alleged victim says the abuse happened when he was a child at the Notre Dame School in Fall River twenty-years ago. The alleged victim was a sixth grade and ten years old. He claims his teacher Albert Vaillancourt molested him.

"I recall him bringing me to the desk touching me inappropriately in several positions."

The alleged victim says Vaillancourt would call kids up to his desk to punish them on numerous occasions and then touch them.

"He would take that kids head and press it on as hard as he could told me to hold it there and then he would fondle and touch outside clothing during class while class was adjourned it was a different story," says the alleged victim.

The alleged victim has filed a lawsuit against Vaillancourt and the Diocese of Fall River. Following the allegations the diocese said in a statement that Vaillancourt has been teaching for forty years and that quote, no prior complaints have been made.

Vaillancourt has always maintained his innocence, including outside of court last month. The alleged victim tells us that he doesn't think he's the only victim.

"I've seen other kids in the classroom at his desk in situations I was also in." "I know there are more victims out there yes."

Frank O'Boy Vaillancourt's defense attorney says, "My client does not wish to make any more comment and we prefer to try it in a court of law.

Vaillancourt has most recently taught at the Saints Peter and Paul school in Fall River. He is now on paid administrative leave. The Bristol County District Attorney's Office is still conducting an investigation into criminal charges.

 
 

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