Fr. Paul Henry Leech

Ordained: 1980
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Providence RI

Removed from ministry 5/4/84. Convicted of molesting 3-4 boys 1982-1984. Sentenced in 1985 to 86 years in prison, but ordered to serve 3 years and then 12 years probation. In 1994 a civil suit was filed on behalf of one youth. Per the suit, prior to 1980, Leech was known to the bishop to have a habit of making advances on young boys. Another suit may have been filed in 1985. On diocese’s list 7/1/19. Said in 2020 to be living in Rochester, NY.


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