Fr. Joseph Marcel Lessard

Ordained: 1980
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Phoenix AZ

Admitted in 1986 to sexually abusing a 13-year-old Phoenix boy. Two felony charges were reduced to misdemeanors in a plea bargain after Bishop O’Brien wrote to the judge requesting leniency because Lessard was remorseful. Sentence was three years probation and a $100 fine. Continued to work as priest, including time as a hospital chaplain in the Rockford IL diocese while residing and helping out at a nearby parish. Removed from ministry by the hospital and Rockford diocese in 2/2001. Removed from ministry by the Phoenix diocese 2002. Phoenix settled the civil case in 2006 for $50K. Living in Thailand per 11/2006 article. On Rockford diocese’s list 11/14/2018. Added to the Phoenix diocese’s list 10/29/2019. Included in the 5/23/2023 IL Attorney General’s Report.


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.