Fr. Paul J. McLaughlin

Ordained: 1955
Status: Settled

Died: 11/10/2021
Diocese: Archdiocese of Boston MA

Ordained in 1955 in Yakima WA. Retired in 2001 from Boston; moved to CA and worked part-time in a San Bernardino parish until placed on leave in 2003 after three men accused him of abusing them in MA when they were minors in the 1960s. Boston knew of one allegation in 5/02 but didn’t tell the San Bernardino diocese until 9/02. Personnel file contained references to one instance of non-specified physical abuse and another where he told boys to do nude Greco-Roman wrestling. He denied all charges. Included in 8/11 on the Boston archdiocese’s list, status ‘Administrative Leave; Case in Process.’ Accused in a lawsuit settled in the high five figures in 6/21 of sexually abusing a boy, ages 8-10, multiple times 1967-69 while assigned to St. John the Evangelist in Swampscott MA. Sentenced by the Vatican in 9/21 to a life of prayer and penance. Living at the time, at age 91, in CA. Died in 11/21.


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