Fr. Thomas M. Lee
Removed in 5/02 when a woman said he abused her son. Youth “would not testify” and diocese returned Lee to ministry, saying charges were unsubstantiated. Removed again in 9/03 when two other victims came forward. The first victim denied refusing to testify. Lee retired in 2004. Church tribunal ruled in 8/08 that the accusations were not proven, but that Lee’s actions were imprudent. The bishop appealed to the Vatican in 12/08. As of 1/09 there were 14 accusers. Diocese said 2/19/11 that the church appeals court affirmed the tribunal ruling but that Lee would not be reassigned.
- Portland Press Herald 09.16.03
- Portland Press Herald 09.19.03
- Boothbay Register 09.26.03
- Portland Press Herald 01.11.05
- Statement by Marie Tupper 11.16.05
- Portland Press Herald 02.12.06
- WMTW 01.28.07
- Bishop’s statement in keepMEcurrent 01.29.07
- Bangor Daily News 01.29.07
- Portland Press Herald 05.31.08
- WCSH 12.19.08
- Portland Press Herald 12.20.08
- NSACoalition 01.04.09
- keepMEcurrent 01.07.09
- Diocese of Portland Press Release 01.13.09
- WMTW 01.13.09
- Morning Sentinel 01.13.09
- Press Herald-Maine Today 01.14.09
- Maine Today (AP) 01.30.09
- NECN 02.19.11
- Statement by Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland (ME) 02.21.11
- National Catholic Reporter 11.26.18
Sources:
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