MASSACHUSETTS
NECN
Massachusetts prosecutors want a former Roman Catholic priest convicted of sexually abusing children civilly committed indefinitely now that his prison term has ended.
Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett’s office goes before a judge in Salem Superior Court on Friday to start the process to have 72-year-old Ronald Paquin held in a state hospital as a sexually dangerous person.
Paquin pleaded guilty in 2003 to sexually assaulting a 12-year-old altar boy at a Haverhill church, and was sentenced to 12 years in prison. His sentence ended in May but he remains in custody until his status is resolved.
Prosecutors want Paquin held pending a mental health examination. If that examination determines he is likely to commit more sex offenses, a trial will be held.
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