Catholic Church Admits Prov. School Aide Arrested for Sexual Assault Worked at Cathedral

By Kate Nagle
GoLocalProv
January 13, 2016

http://www.golocalprov.com/news/new-providence-school-aide-arrested-for-sexual-assault-worked-at-catholic-c

A teacher's aide arrested on sexual assault charges had worked at the Cathedral of SS Peter and Paul in Providence

A teacher's aide at a Providence Middle School who was arrested for sexually assaulting a minor had been working part time at the Cathedral of SS Peter and Paul in Providence, GoLocal has learned. 

Anthony Tedeschi, who was arrested on January 8 by the Providence Police and Rhode Island State Police Violent Fugitive Task Force, had been under investigation for an incident that occurred at Esek Hopkins Middle School on October 23 where another aide observed Tedeschi "inappropriately touching" a 13 year old male student with autism.

Diocese Releases Info After GoLocal Inquiry

The Diocese would not give dates as to Tedeschi's service or position, but only provided the following statement from Msgr. Anthony Mancini, Rector of the Cathedral of SS Peter and Paul, when GoLocal inquired on Monday.

"Anthony Tedeschi has not been an employee of the Cathedral of SS Peter and Paul in Providence for some time. He left his part time position of his own accord several months ago as a result of staffing changes at the Cathedral," said Mananci. 

The Diocese has an extensive "child protection and outreach policy" on its website, which states, "The Bishop of Providence is committed to openness and transparency in all matters relating to the sexual abuse of minors. Designated officials of the diocese will make every effort to communicate openly and in a timely manner with the public through the news media and other available means including."

It is unclear the timing of Tedeschi's departure from the church in relation to the school incident that took place in October.