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Last updated on August 2026

WERE YOU SEXUALLY ABUSED BY A PRIEST OR CHURCH MEMBER IN RHODE ISLAND?

You May Be Entitled To Substantial CompensationSexual Abuse By Clergy: Rhode Island - Robert Marcantonio - Levy Konigsberg

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FATHER ROBERT MARCANTONIO SEXUAL ABUSE INVESTIGATION

LK Investigating Sex Crime Cases Involving Father Robert Marcantonio

Father Robert Marcantonio, a Rhode Island Catholic priest, allegedly sexually abused at least 17 boys in Rhode Island, Iowa, and Massachusetts over nearly two decades. 

Levy Konigsberg is investigating claims that Father Robert Marcantonio sexually abused minors while serving as a Catholic priest in Rhode Island.

Father Robert Marcantonio was ordained in June 1967 and served at several parishes and institutions in Rhode Island, including Sacred Heart Church in West Warwick, St. Mary Church in Cranston, and St. John Vianney Church in Cumberland, as well as Rhode Island College in Providence and Bryant College in Smithfield. He also served at St. Cecilia Church and Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, and at Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts. 

He died in October 1999, and is included on the Diocese of Providence’s List of Credibly Accused Clergy and in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Appendix A report.

If you or a loved one was harmed, contact us today.

Were you sexually abused?

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Father Robert Marcantonio History of Sexual Abuse

The Diocese received its first documented report in May 1970 but allegedly never referred any allegation against him to law enforcement prior to his death.

  • According to Diocesan records, the Diocese paid approximately $2.7 million to settle claims against Marcantonio. 

In August 2008, the Diocese paid a $1.3 million settlement covering four abuse victims, one of whom was allegedly abused by Marcantonio.

  • Between 1975 and 1986, three brothers between the ages of 12 and 19 were allegedly repeatedly sexually abused by Marcantonio while he served as a weekend assistant at St. John Vianney Church in Cumberland.

The alleged abuse involved forced oral sex, pornographic material, and anal sex, and occurred in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Ontario, Canada.

Between 1976 and 1983, another victim was allegedly repeatedly abused from age 8 to 14, at the same parish.

One altar boy was allegedly raped at least 20 times between 1973 and 1975, beginning when he was 13.

Two others alleged abuse at St. Cecilia Church between 1971 and 1974, including oral and anal sexual contact and exposure to pornographic material.

  • During the 1960s, at least seven boys between the ages of 8 and 15 were allegedly repeatedly sexually abused by Marcantonio at St. Mary’s Church and School in Cranston, including inside the parish rectory.

One complainant alleged that Marcantonio anally raped him at the rectory.

Marcantonio allegedly exposed himself to a third-grade boy.

We specialize in sexual abuse lawsuits against powerful institutions. These include  government entities (such as prisons, schools, and juvenile detention  /  juvenile treatment centers), technology companies, and clergy.

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Who Can You Sue in a Sex Abuse Civil Case?

In a sex abuse civil case, the parties you might sue can vary depending on the circumstances of the abuse and the relationships involved.

Some potential parties that could be sued in a sex abuse civil case include:

  • Individual Perpetrator: The alleged perpetrator of the sexual abuse can be named as a defendant in the lawsuit. This is often the person who directly committed the abusive acts.
  • Institutions and Organizations: If the abuse occurred within an institution or organization, such as a school, church, sports club, or workplace, and they failed to take appropriate action to prevent or address the abuse, they might also be held liable.
  • Employers: If the perpetrator was an employee of an organization or institution, the employer might be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employee if the abuse occurred within the scope of their employment.
  • Property Owners: If the abuse occurred on a property owned by someone else, and the property owner failed to provide adequate security or take reasonable steps to prevent the abuse, they might be considered liable.
  • Government Entities: In some cases, government entities might be involved, especially if the abuse occurred within a state institution or facility. Suing a government entity might involve specific procedures and limitations.

Sex abuse cases can be legally complex, so it's highly advisable to consult with experienced legal professionals who specialize in this area to understand your options and pursue the appropriate legal action. Levy Konigsberg, along with our team of sexual abuse lawyers, is available to provide assistance for your sexual abuse case.

Do I Have A Case?

You may have a sexual abuse claim against the Catholic Church if:

  • You were sexually abused as a minor or an adult within the Church.
  • The abuser was a priest, clergy member, or some other Church volunteer or employee.
  • Your abuse occurred at any time in the past.

    As with civil sexual abuse cases, claims filed with the bankruptcy settlement fund are separate from any criminal proceedings that may arise from abuse. Instead, they focus on holding the Archdiocese liable for damages. This means you may still have a claim even if:

    • Your abuser is no longer alive.
    • Your abuser was never charged or convicted of a crime.

    Determining whether you have grounds to pursue a claim can be challenging, which is why our team at Levy Konigsberg is readily available to help.

    Recoverable Damages in Sexual Abuse Claims

    In addition to providing accountability and a sense of justice, civil sex abuse lawsuits allow survivors to recover financial compensation for their damages, which may include:

    • Past medical and mental health expenses
    • Future mental health expenses, including therapy, medications, etc.
    • Pain and suffering
    • Emotional anguish and psychological harm
    • Lost income
    • Other economic and non-economic damages

    Rhode Island Sexual Abuse Attorneys

    On June 11, 2026, Rhode Island enacted a law opening a revival window for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file civil claims, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred. Under this new law, survivors have until June 30, 2028 to file claims.

      If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse by Rhode Island clergy or at a Rhode Island Catholic school or Rhode Island school, our compassionate and experienced Rhode Island sexual abuse legal team is here to stand by your side and pursue the justice and accountability you deserve.

      Levy Konigsberg is actively investigating allegations of sexual abuse perpetrated by clergy members. Our team is dedicated to providing legal support to survivors and holding accountable those who have committed these crimes. We are working tirelessly to ensure that survivors have access to justice and that the trust placed in religious institutions is restored.

      Trust Levy Konigsberg's Legal Team for Proven Results in Sexual Abuse and Negligence Cases

      Levy Konigsberg LLP, a nationally recognized law firm, has built a legacy over three decades, recovering over $3 billion in sexual abuse compensation for clients. Led by award-winning sexual abuse lawyers, we specialize in representing survivors in sexual abuse across the country, taking on powerful institutions. Our top-rated trial practice handles all types of sexual abuse or negligence cases, showcasing numerous testimonials and successful case results. You can learn more about our latest sexual abuse work on our blog.

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