Fr. William D. Donovan

Ordained: 1961
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Bridgeport CT

Resigned in 4/2002 after sentenced to 150 days in state jail for a third DWI conviction. Admitted to a sexual ‘relationship’ with a young man who might have been a minor. Church deemed the allegations credible. Claims against Donovan settled by the diocese as part of a massive settlement in 10/2003; the diocese paid $21M to 40 people alleging abuse by priests. Per the diocese’s list updated 3/22/2019, there were multiple allegations against Donovan. He died in 2018. A report commissioned by the diocese in 2019 states there were eight victims, boys and at least one girl, ages 15-17, abused 1967-1993.


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