Fr. William C. O’Connell

Assigned to four parishes in three years, then became a Navy chaplain 1953-1958. Resigned to avoid court martial for “criminal homosexual contact.” Reassigned in Providence. Arrested in 3/1985. Pleaded guilty to the sexual abuse of three boys 1972-1985; sentenced 6/23/1986 to five years, four suspended. Sent to St. Luke Institute for treatment. Retired in 1986 to Camden, NJ. Sexual abuse of three boys 1965-1972 was alleged in a lawsuit settled 6/11/1993 and a 10/31/1994 RICO suit. Arrested in NJ 12/1994. Pleaded guilty 12/19/1994 to sexual assault and making child pornography; sentenced to ten years in 2/1995. Other lawsuits part of 9/9/2002 and 3/2003 settlements. Included 7/1/2019 on the Diocese’s list of credibly accused. Included in the 3/4/2026 RI Attorney General’s Report which shows that O’Connell has been accused of the sexual abuse of at least 23 boys, ages 9-16, from 1950 to 1983. Most of the abuse reportedly occurred at St. Mary’s in Bristol or O’Connell’s home in South Kingstown. Some alleged that O’Connell abused them with other priests participating. One victim said that his father complained in 1970 and O’Connell was soon transferred. In 1978 a priest alerted Bishops Gelineau and Angell to complaints about O’Connell having a “steady stream of boys in the house” and that O’Connell “takes little boys alone with him for days off and overnights.” The bishops did nothing; O’Connell continued to abuse. In 1984 there were more allegations. In 2/1985  O’Connell requested retirement due to his pending arrest. It was granted by Gelineau the same day. Parishioners wrote to Gelineau that they weren’t surprised by the allegations and that “for years we have tried to tell you of our suspicions.” O’Connell died in prison 5/12/1996.