Fr. Bernard W. Bissonnette

Ordained: 1958
Status: Sued

Died: 12/24/2008
Diocese: Diocese of Norwich CT

Worked in CT, MN and NM. Accused of abuse of numerous youths almost everywhere he served. One alleged victim known to have died by suicide. Named in 1997 civil suit. Another victim filed civil suit 2002 and in 7/06, CT Supreme Court ruled that the suit was timely filed and sent it back down to lower court to be tried. Laicized 5/20/05; announced in 3/06. Cited in 11/08 RICO suit. Died 12/24/08. Accused in suit filed 11/15 of rape of a NM altar boy, who alleged rape also by Fr. James Porter. Accused in a 12/17/15 suit of raping an altar boy, age 7-12, hundreds of times 1968-73 at St. Alice’s in Mountainair NM. Included on Santa Fe archdiocese list 9/12/17. On Las Cruces diocese’s list 11/8/18. On the Norwich diocese’s list in 2/19.

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