Fr. William C. O’Connell
Assigned to four parishes in three years, then became a Navy chaplain 1953-1958. Resigned to avoid court martial for “criminal homosexual contact.” Reassigned in Providence. Sexual abuse of three boys 1965-1972 was alleged in a lawsuit settled 6/11/1993 and a 10/31/1994 RICO suit. Pleaded guilty to the sexual abuse of three boys 1972-1985; sentenced 6/23/1986 to five years, four suspended. Sent to St. Luke Institute for treatment. Retired in 1986 to Camden. Pleaded guilty 12/19/1994 to sexual assault and making child pornography; sentenced to ten years in 2/1995. Other lawsuits part of 9/9/2002 and 3/2003 settlements. Died 5/12/1996. Included 7/1/2019 on the Diocese’s list of credibly accused.
- Newport Mercury and Weekly News 06.09.50
- Associated Press 02.25.85
- Associated Press 06.24.86
- San Jose Mercury News 12.31.87
- Washington Post 06.11.93
- NY Times 10.13.93
- Providence Journal-Bulletin 07.03.94
- Providence Journal-Bulletin 07.13.94
- Providence Journal Bulletin 12.21.94
- Providence Journal Bulletin 02.05.95
- Providence Journal Bulletin 09.21.96
- Philadelphia Inquirer 07.21.02
- Providence Journal-Bulletin 08.18.02
- Providence Journal-Bulletin 09.10.02
- Star-Ledger 03.14.03
- Philadelphia Inquirer 10.16.05
- Providence Journal 11.21.14
- Diocese of Providence List 07.01.19
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