First Federal Lawsuit by Survivor of RI Clergy Sexual Abuse - Says He was Groomed by Priest With Candy, Gifts

First Federal Lawsuit by Survivor of RI Clergy Sexual Abuse - Says He was Groomed by Priest With Candy, Gifts

Attorneys from the DC-based law firm Grant & Eisenhofer and partner counsel Louise Herman filed the first federal complaint by a survivor of Rhode Island clergy abuse this week.

In filing the 22-page complaint in the United District Court of Rhode Island against the Diocese of Providence, the attorneys "issued a public plea for The Church to embrace truth and reconciliation, and flatly reject bankruptcy to resolve all claims against their assailants and enablers."

The move comes under a new state law giving childhood sexual abuse survivors their first chance in decades to attempt to obtain justice against their perpetrators.

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On Wednesday, attorneys for the plaintiff filed a motion to expedite the case.

About Case

The plaintiff, a Rhode Island native and longtime Georgia resident, identified as "J. Doe," claims that he was groomed and enticed with gifts, including candy and home-cooked meals by St. Matthew’s of Central Falls priest Rev. Roland Lepire and then "repeatedly sexually violated, including in the church rectory and in the home of the priest’s mother."

“The abuse was open and obvious, and was known amongst other members of the clergy, and particularly the children,” according to the complaint.

It goes on to state, “Having grown up in a Catholic community, Plaintiff grew up with the view that the Church and members of the clergy were morally good, and were not only an authority figure, but also a sacred refuge. The abuse by Fr. Lepire shattered his faith and left him with a distrust of anyone in authority.”  

The federal complaint is suing on charges of negligence and related counts and is seeking compensatory and punitive damages.

The Diocese did not respond to request for comment at time of publication.