Fr. Richard E. Thompson
Named publicly as credibly accused by the Diocese on its list 8/22/2019. News reports in 1981 show that Thompson was arrested after a teenage male reported to police that the priest abducted him behind a bar in Stowe, drove away with him then pulled over and began to rub his leg. He was charged with kidnapping, lewd and lascivious conduct, unlawful mischief and leaving the scene of an accident. Thompson was sent to treatment in MD. The charges were dropped due to inconsistencies in the alleged victim’s statements. The young man had been in the car with Thompson, who had driven him from the bar. Another priest was also in the car and was “semi passed out” during the incident. Thompson continued in active ministry until his suspension 8/1/1984. He died 9/23/2006 in South Yarmouth, MA
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