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  Parish Priest Kicked out for Sex Abuse Allegation

By Eric Convey
Boston Herald [Somerville MA]
May 16, 2004

A Somerville Catholic priest has been removed from his parish following an allegation he sexually abused a minor more than 20 years ago.

The Rev. John E. McLaughlin, who had been pastor of St. Benedict's Church, agreed to be placed on administrative leave, the Archdiocese of Boston said in a statement released yesterday.

The allegation "was recently reported for the first time to the Archdiocese of Boston," the statement says.

Under archdiocesan policy, priests leave their parishes - voluntarily or upon orders - if allegations against them are deemed to be credible. But such a decision does not mean investigators have determined the allegation is true.

If cleared of wrongdoing, MacLaughlin could return to St. Benedict's.

 
 

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