Fr. Michael L. Plourde
Publicly named as accused by diocese on 1/27/07. Plourde had been placed on leave in 1994 for allegations dating to 1976 that he abused two minors. He had returned to ministry in 1989 after counseling due to allegations involving sexual misconduct toward an adult. The Bishop recommended laicization. Name released as accused before the Vatican’s decision came through, citing the case of accused Wilmington priest Francis G. DeLuca. Laicization announced in 5/08. In 12/22 two brothers sued the diocese, claiming Plourde sexually abused them when they were altar boys, ages 10 and 12, at St. Hycinth in Westbrook in 1978-1979. They said they told their mother at the time, who reported the abuse to Plourde’s supervisor, Fr. Antonio Gosselin. The family left the parish and allegedly heard nothing back from church officials.
- WMTW 01.28.07
- WCSH 01.28.07
- Sun Journal 01.28.07
- Portland Press Herald and Maine Sunday Telegram 01.28.07
- Bishop’s statement in keepMEcurrent 01.29.07
- Bangor Daily News 01.29.07
- Kennebec Journal 01.31.07
- Morning Sentinel 01.31.07
- Old Orchard Beach Courier 02.02.07
- Maine Today (AP) 05.30.08
- Morning Sentinel 06.03.08
- Bangor Daily News 12.08.22
- WMTW 12.08.22
- WCSH 12.09.22
- Portland Press Herald 01.08.23
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