Fr. Joseph P. Rice

Ordained: 1977
Status: Settled

Diocese: Archdiocese of Newark NJ

Removed in 2002. Accused, along with two other priests, of abuse of teenage girl. No criminal charges filed, due to statute of limitations. Church found allegations credible. Allegations against Rice included in 10/04 settlement with Archdiocese. Living without restrictions at St. John Vianney Residence for Retired Priests in Rutherford, NJ for several years as of 11/13. On archdiocese’s list 2/13/19. Multiple alleged victims noted. Died in 2014. New suit in 7/20 alleges abuse 1978-81 at St. John the Apostle in Linden. Accused in a claim settled in 2020 in the low six figures of sexually abusing an altar boy, ages 12-18, during 1978-85, while assigned to St. John the Apostle. The abuse included forced oral sex and forced sodomy.


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