Fr. Bernard W. Bissonnette

Worked in CT, MN and NM. Accused of abuse of numerous youths almost everywhere he served. One alleged victim is known to have died by suicide. Named in a 1997 civil suit. Another victim filed civil suit 2002 and in 7/2006, the CT Supreme Court ruled that the suit was timely filed and sent it back down to lower court to be tried. Laicized 5/20/2005; announced in 3/2006. Cited in a 11/2008 RICO suit. Died 12/24/2008. Accused in suit filed in 11/2015 of rape of a NM altar boy, who alleged rape also by Fr. James Porter. Included on the Duluth diocese’s list in 12/2015. Accused in a 12/17/2015 suit of raping an altar boy, age 7-12, hundreds of times 1968-1973 at St. Alice’s in Mountainair NM. Included on the Santa Fe archdiocese’s list 9/12/2017. On the Las Cruces diocese’s list 11/8/2018. On the Norwich diocese’s list in 2/2019.