(CT)
NBC Connecticut [West Hartford, CT]
March 16, 2026
By Matt Austin
A Catholic pastor in Willimantic has been put on leave amid accusations of child sex abuse.
The allegations date back decades in Maryland, as well as an abuse investigation by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in Connecticut.
Corpus Christi Parish is part of the Diocese of Norwich, which itself declared bankruptcy following about 150 survivors of alleged abuse filing a lawsuit.
On Monday, parishioners arrived at Saint Mary Church in Willimantic after the Diocese of Norwich placed Father Laurence LaPointe on leave.
The diocese says he was put on leave earlier this month after DCF presented its findings concerning an allegation of abuse of a child in the state in the 1970s.
Last week, the diocese said it learned LaPointe was indicted in Maryland in connection with alleged misconduct also in the 70s.
According to Maryland court records, he faces a third-degree sex offense charge with someone under age 14 and a child abuse charge.
The diocese says the pastor has denied the allegations.
While he hasn’t responded to NBC Connecticut’s request for comment, we spoke with some of his parishioners.
“From what I’ve seen about Father Larry, he conducts himself very well,” said Kimberly Carlin of Willington.
In a statement, the bishop wrote in part:
“Although there has been no finding of guilt, the seriousness of the allegations necessitated his removal from ministry as a precautionary measure while the investigations and legal proceedings continue.”
“What did the diocese know? What did the bishops know about this priest and when?” said attorney Mitchell Garabedian.
Garabedian represents survivors of sexual abuse, including some who filed a previous lawsuit against the Diocese of Norwich in connection with a school in Deep River.
Garabedian notes it can take a while before survivors can share their story.
“Now that they’ve heard this report, for instance, it empowers a survivor or survivors to come forward and say…‘It’s time to do something about it,’” said Garabedian.
Now the pastor was also reportedly associated with several universities, including Eastern Connecticut State University, but the allegations date back to before his time with the school.