WERE YOU SEXUALLY ABUSED BY A PRIEST OR CHURCH MEMBER IN RHODE ISLAND?
You May Be Entitled To Substantial Compensation
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FATHER ROLAND LEPIRE SEXUAL ABUSE INVESTIGATION
LK Investigating Sex Abuse Cases Involving Father Roland Lepire
Father Roland Lepire, a Catholic priest, allegedly sexually abused multiple boys across Rhode Island parishes and later admitted to the abuse.
Levy Konigsberg is investigating claims that Father Roland Lepire sexually abused minors while serving as a Catholic priest in Rhode Island.
Father Roland Lepire served at several parishes across Rhode Island, including St. Aloysius Church in Woonsocket, St. Mary Church in Cranston, St. Matthew Church in Central Falls, St. Leo the Great Church in Pawtucket, and St. Vincent de Paul Church in Coventry. He was removed from ministry in 1996, laicized in 2004, and is included on the Diocese of Providence’s List of Credibly Accused Clergy. He died in February 2025.
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Were you sexually abused?
Father Roland Lepire History of Sexual Abuse
- According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Appendix A report, Father Roland Lepire allegedly sexually abused at least six boys between the ages of 8 and 14 across parish assignments in Woonsocket, Cranston, and Central Falls between 1975 and 1980. The alleged abuse included wrestling and tickling victims before fondling their genitals, and in at least one case forcing oral sex on a victim.
In 1979, when a mother reported her son’s alleged abuse to police, then-Bishop Gelinea allegedly transferred Lepire to another parish rather than take further action. Lepire was transferred but allegedly continued to abuse children at his new assignments.
In 1996, Lepire admitted during a psychiatric evaluation that he had sexually abused boys.
In 2003, he admitted in a letter to the Pope that he had inappropriately touched several twelve-year-old boys since his ordination.
- In July 2026, a federal complaint was filed against the Diocese of Providence and St. Matthew Church in Central Falls alleging that Lepire sexually abused a boy when he was 10 or 11 years old in 1980 or 1981.
A separate lawsuit filed the same day alleged Lepire abused a 15-year-old in his office in 1983.
- In July 2019, the Diocese of Providence publicly named Lepire on its List of Credibly Accused Clergy. He was removed from ministry in February 1996 and was laicized in 2004.
- In August 2008, a second lawsuit filed in 2003 alleging abuse in the early 1980s by priests including Lepire was settled as part of a $1.326 million Diocese settlement.
- In September 2002, claims against Lepire were settled as part of a $13.5 million mass settlement involving 36 victims of priest abuse in the Diocese of Providence.
- In February 1996, a former victim filed a lawsuit against Lepire.
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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
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.