Fr. William C. O’Connell
Assigned to four parishes in three years, then became a Navy chaplain 1953-58. Resigned to avoid court martial for “criminal homosexual contact.” Reassigned in Providence. Abuse of three boys 1965-72 alleged in suit settled 6/11/93 and 10/31/94 RICO suit. Pled guilty to abuse of three boys 1972-85; sentenced 6/23/86 to five years, four suspended. Sent to St. Luke’s for treatment. Retired 1986 to Camden. Pled guilty 12/19/94 to sexual assault and making child porn; got ten years 2/95. Other suits part of 9/9/02 and 3/03 settlements. Died 5/12/96. On the diocese’s list 7/1/19.
- Diocese of Providence Assignment Record
- BA.org Assignment Record
- 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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