Fr. William J. Cloutier

Ordained: 1975
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Chicago IL

Accused of sexually abusing at least three boys in 1979. Kept in ministry. Removed in 1991, sent to an archdiocesan retreat house at Mundelein Seminary. A civil suit filed in 1991 claimed abuse in 1979. Admitted abuse and that after 14 years of therapy still used his position to abuse. New allegation in 2002. Part of a large 2003 settlement involving 12 priests. Left the priesthood in 1994. Died in 8/2003. Also included in a 10/2005 settlement by the Archdiocese involving multiple priests. Personnel file released in 1/2014. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General’s Report, which notes 23 “reported survivors.”


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