Fr. Thomas W. Shea

Ordained: 1946
Status: Settled

Died: 08/10/2006
Diocese: Diocese of Norwich CT

Removed from ministry in 1984, per the diocese’s list 2/22/2019. Accused in 2004 of molesting at least 16 girls in 11 parishes in the diocese over 30 years. The abuse was often referred to in church records as “prolonged kissing” and not as sexual abuse. Parents would complain and Shea would be transferred. Vatican refused to laicize in 2005. Died in 2006. One woman’s civil suit settled in 12/2008. Another woman’s 11/2008 suit settled for $1.1M in 9/2012 just before trial was to begin. Included on the diocese’s list in 2/2019.

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