Cases in Process
This category includes living priests of the Diocese of Fall River who have been publicly accused of sexually abusing a minor, but the canonical and/or civil proceedings involving these priests have not yet been resolved. There has not yet been a determination either under canon (Church) or civil law regarding whether the allegations against clergy listed here are credible. Consistent with the principles of the American justice system and Church law, these individuals are afforded a presumption of innocence. The priests in this section are prohibited from engaging in public ministry while their cases are in process.
| Name | Year of Birth | Year of Ordination | Diocese of Incardination | Assignment History in the Diocese of Fall River | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckley, James F. | 1931 | 1959 | Diocese of Fall River | St. Mary Cathedral, Fall River Sacred Heart, Fall River Immaculate Conception, Fall River St. Joan of Arc, Orleans St. Augustine, Vineyard Haven St. Margaret, Buzzards Bay Holy Redeemer, Chatham | Faculties suspended |
| Byington, Edward J. | 1939 | 1970 | Diocese of Fall River | St. John, Attleboro Sacred Heart, Taunton St. Patrick, Fall River St. Paul, Taunton St. George, Westport Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Seekonk Girl Scouts of America, Attleboro Area Sacred Heart, Fall River St. Francis, Hyannis St. Thomas More, Somerset | Faculties suspended |
| Degagne, Richard E. | 1954 | 1982 | Diocese of Fall River | St. John, Attleboro Holy Name, Fall River St. Anthony of Padua, New Bedford Notre Dame, Fall River Sacred Heart, North Attleboro Immaculate Conception, Taunton St. John Neumann, East Freetown Immaculate Conception, North Easton | Faculties suspended |
