BALTIMORE (MD)
The Baltimore Banner [Baltimore MD]
November 4, 2026
By Dylan Segelbaum
A former Gilman School chaplain and teacher will spend up to five years on supervised probation after admitting Wednesday to sexually abusing a student during the 1970s.
The Rev. Laurence LaPointe, 81, of Putnam, Connecticut, pleaded guilty in Baltimore Circuit Court to fourth-degree sex offense and assault. Between 1976 and 1977, prosecutors reported, he victimized a boy in his early teens after inviting him back to a campus apartment.
The survivor, now 63, said in court he was not part of the popular crowdin middle school and held different interests than his peers.
LaPointe, he said, profoundly betrayed his trust and committed “an act of perverse sexual abuse.” He said he’s thought about what happened at least once per month for almost 50 years, comparing it to a worm in his brain.
When Gilman School sent out a letter in 2021 detailing the findings of an investigation into past and present sexual abuse, it did not mention LaPointe’s name. That’s when the survivor said he realized he could no longer stay silent.
The Maryland Office of the Attorney General brought the case.
“I was not looking for money,” the survivor said in a victim-impact statement. “I wanted justice. I wanted Laurence LaPointe held accountable in a criminal court.”
The Banner does not identify survivors of sexual abuse without their permission.
“Those who were sexually assaulted as children continue to carry the burden of that trauma long after they reach adulthood,” Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said in a statement. “No matter how much time passes, we will help lift that weight off survivors’ shoulders and hold accountable anyone who abuses a position of trust to inflict such devastating harm on our children.”
Read more coverage of criminal justice in Maryland
- Former Catonsville priest found guilty of sexually abusing former altar server
- Former Gilman School teacher charged with 1970s child sex abuse
- Court rules people accused of complicity in Catholic Church sex abuse can’t be named
As part of a plea agreement, LaPointe must undergo a psychosexual evaluation and comply with any recommended treatment. He also cannot have any direct contact with children. If he stays out of trouble for three years, he can ask a judge to change his probation status to unsupervised.
He offered a brief apology when given the opportunity to address the court.
“I pray for him,” LaPointe said, “for all victims of abuse.”
LaPointe was a chaplain at the private, independent all-boys school in Roland Park from 1966-1970 and then worked as a faculty member from 1973-1977. He most recently served as pastor of Corpus Christi Parish in Willimantic, Connecticut.
The Diocese of Norwich reported that it placed LaPointe on leave after learning that the Connecticut Department of Children and Families was investigating him over a claim of abuse of a minor in that state in the 1970s. He denied the accusations.
“We are deeply saddened by the harm described, and our hearts are with all survivors, as time does not diminish the pain of abuse,” the Gilman School said in a statement Wednesday. “Gilman remains committed to protecting students and fostering a community rooted in safety, dignity, and respect.”
Marc Zayon, LaPointe’s attorney, said his client dedicated himself to the Catholic Church and helping other people. LaPointe lives a meager existence in a cottage, Zayon said. He suffered two heart attacks and experiences macular degeneration.
“He is in no position physically to contest these charges,” Zayon said. “He is eager to put this behind him.”
Circuit Judge Charles Dorsey III said he struggled with the case. He described himself as a product of the Catholic Church and credited the institution for instilling his values, ethics and integrity.
The judge commended the survivor for his courage in coming forward.
“I’m hoping that you will be free now, and that you will have some peace,” Dorsey said.
Dylan Segelbaum is the courts reporter at The Baltimore Banner.