Fr. Louis Ward Dunn

Ordained: 1947
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Placed on leave in 1994 after a woman made a complaint to the bishop of sexual misconduct toward her by Dunn when she was a minor. Suit filed in 1995. Tried on two separate rape allegations; one dismissed. Convicted in second. Received a 10-year suspended sentence. At least two other suits filed. Died 4/18/01. Some claims settled in 2002. One of the original complainants did not settle; she carried her case all the way to the RI Supreme Court, which dismissed it in 2/08. Appealed to US Supreme Court. On the diocese’s list 7/1/19.


Return to main database page. See abbreviations and posting policy. Send corrections.

Our Database of Publicly Accused does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.