Diocese of Providence Names RISP Lt. Col. Creamer to Oversee Compliance

Diocese of Providence Names RISP Lt. Col. Creamer to Oversee Compliance

Most Reverend Bruce A. Lewandowski, Bishop of Providence, has appointed Lieutenant Colonel Robert A. Creamer as the Diocese of Providence’s Director of Compliance. Creamer currently serves as the Deputy Superintendent and Chief of Field Operations of the Rhode Island State Police, where he serves as the second-in-command.

 

The assignment will take effect on January 5, 2026.

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“Colonel Creamer brings to our diocese his extensive career experience and stellar reputation as a top leader in our state’s law enforcement,” said Bishop Lewandowski about the appointment. “We enthusiastically welcome him to this important role, which includes building upon our diocese’s longstanding efforts to protect children and vulnerable people across our ministries and institutions.”

 

The Diocese has been the subject of lawsuits and investigations related to the sexual abuse of children for more than three decades. 

 

According to Bishop-Accountability.org, there are at least 38 priests who worked in Rhode Island who have been accused of abuse. We fear there may be more," said Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP) in a statement to GoLocal in 2018.

 

As diocesan Director of Compliance, Creamer is responsible for ensuring all diocesan entities and employees follow policies, procedures, and law. The compliance office oversees investigations; conducts background checks of clergy, employees, and volunteers; facilitates cooperation with law enforcement; and provides support, education, and training around policies and risk management. 

 

“I am honored by the trust that Bishop Lewandowski and Monsignor Kenney have placed in me with this appointment, and I look forward to continuing the good work of ensuring and enhancing child protection and security that the Office of Compliance has been engaged in since 1993.   My years with the Rhode Island State Police have been deeply meaningful, and I am grateful for that experience,” said Creamer. “I now look forward to this new chapter and to supporting the mission and good work of the Diocese.” 

 

Creamer is a member of the FBI Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force. Prior to assuming the duties of the Deputy Superintendent in 2022, he served as Detective Commander, Assistant Detective Commander, Lieutenant Officer-in-Charge of Major Crimes and Financial Crimes Public Corruption Unit, and in numerous other leadership roles as a Detective and Trooper for more than 29 years of service to the State Police.

 

“The position is a unique position requiring a diversity of talents. The diocese and the Diocesan Review Board for the Protection of Children and Youth are fortunate to fill this position with a person who has such vast experience as a skilled investigator, and is one who practices our faith,” said Judge Stephen M. Isherwood, Associate Judge of the Rhode Island District Court, and Chair of the Diocesan Review Board for the Protection of Children and Youth. “We are pleased with Lt. Col. Robert Creamer’s appointment.”