Father Laurence LaPointe, pastor of Corpus Christi Parish in Willimantic, has been placed on leave following an allegation of abuse of a minor in Connecticut in the early 1970s.
The Diocese of Norwich said the decision to place LaPointe on leave was made after a referral and investigation by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families. LaPointe has been placed on leave from all ministry pending further review.
After LaPointe was placed on leave on March 6, the Diocese learned on March 11 that LaPointe was recently indicted in Maryland in connection with alleged misconduct dating back to the 1970s.
As of Monday, March 16, LaPointe's name was still listed in the parish's staff directory as Pastor of the church.
LaPointe has denied the allegations.
Diocese of Norwich Bishop Richard Reidy said that while LaPointe has not been found guilty, the seriousness of the allegations necessitated his removal as a precautionary measure while the investigations and legal proceedings continue.
“The clergy abuse crisis has caused profound harm to victims, their families and the Church,” Reidy said in a press release. “The Diocese of Norwich maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any cleric, employee or volunteer found to have abused a minor. We remain steadfast in our commitment to protect children and young people while respecting the rights of the accused to a presumption of innocence and due process until the conclusion of the various legal processes.”