Fr. Romano J. Ferraro
Arrested 4/1/02; convicted and sentenced 5/20/04 to life in prison for repeatedly raping a boy 1973-80 in Billerica, MA starting when the boy was age 7. Admitted at trial he was pedophile who abused perhaps dozens of boys. Earliest abuse alleged in civil suits was 1964-68. Navy chaplain in FL 1968-71; dishonorably discharged; sued 1/06 for FL abuse. Reassigned. Allegedly abused in Brooklyn, Rockville Centre, St. Louis, and Metuchen dioceses. Suspended in 1988. Diocese apparently knew much earlier. Name quietly added among 7 others to diocesan website 11/17 of priests laicized by the Vatican office “authorized to deal with cases involving sexual abuse of minors by a cleric.” Per Brooklyn diocese’s list in 2/19 laicized 12/16/11. On St. Louis list 7/26/19. Lawsuit in 12/19 claims abuse of a boy, age 11 or 12 in 1984 or ’85. Plaintiff was an altar boy at a Middlesex, NJ parish. Subject of settlement(s). Died 1/21/23.
- Collection of Sources 1981-2006
- St Louis Post-Dispatch 05.20.05
- Newswork 02.22.11
- Philadelphia Inquirer 02.22.11
- Voice from the Desert 02.22.11
- Philadelphia Inquirer 02.22.11
- New York Times 11.09.17
- New York Times 11.10.17
- News 12 Long Island 11.15.17
- National Catholic Reporter 11.16.17
- Diocese of Brooklyn List 02.22.19
- Bridgewater Courier News 03.28.19
- Archdiocese of St Louis List 07.26.19
- St Louis Post-Dispatch 08.05.19
- The Patch 12.06.19
- Courier News 12.06.19
- Rochester Democrat and Chronicle 12.29.20
- NorthJersey.com 01.31.23
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