NORWICH (CT)
Norwich Bulletin [Norwich CT]
March 16, 2026
By Connor Linskey
Key Points
- Father Laurence LaPointe has been placed on leave from his Connecticut parish following an abuse allegation from the 1970s.
- LaPointe was also recently indicted in Maryland for alleged misconduct dating back to the same decade.
- The Diocese of Norwich removed LaPointe as a precautionary measure while investigations continue.
- LaPointe has denied the allegations and is presumed innocent until legal proceedings conclude.
Father Laurence LaPointe, pastor of Corpus Christi Parish in Willimantic, has been placed on leave following an allegation of abuse of a minor in Connecticut in the early 1970s.
The Diocese of Norwich said the decision to place LaPointe on leave was made after a referral and investigation by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families. LaPointe has been placed on leave from all ministry pending further review.
After LaPointe was placed on leave on March 6, the Diocese learned on March 11 that LaPointe was recently indicted in Maryland in connection with alleged misconduct dating back to the 1970s.
As of Monday, March 16, LaPointe’s name is still listed in the parish’s staff directory as Pastor of the church.
LaPointe has denied the allegations. Diocese of Norwich Bishop Richard Reidy said that while LaPointe has not been found guilty, the seriousness of the allegations necessitated his removal as a precautionary measure while the investigations and legal proceedings continue.
“The clergy abuse crisis has caused profound harm to victims, their families and the Church,” Reidy said in a press release. “The Diocese of Norwich maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any cleric, employee or volunteer found to have abused a minor. We remain steadfast in our commitment to protect children and young people while respecting the rights of the accused to a presumption of innocence and due process until the conclusion of the various legal processes.”
To report suspected abuse, the Diocese recommends contacting local law enforcement, the Diocesan reporting line (800-624-7407), the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (800-842-2288) or the State of New York Child Protective Services (800-635-1522).