Willimantic Pastor Put On Leave Amid Abuse Claim

Father Laurence LaPointe, a pastor at Corpus Christi Parish in Willimantic, has been placed on leave following a claim he abused a minor decades ago.

Wayne Gignac, communications director for the Diocese of Norwich, announced the diocese's decision to put LaPointe on leave via a news release Sunday.

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LaPointe, 81, is now on leave from all ministry and residence on church property pending further review, the announcement said. His leave was effective as of March 6.

The decision follows a referral to and investigation by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families concerning a claim of abuse of a minor in Connecticut in the early 1970s, the diocese said.

According to the Catholic diocese, it also learned on March 11 that LaPointe was indicted in Maryland in February in connection with misconduct claims dating back to the 1970s.

LaPointe maintains his innocence and has denied any wrongdoing, according to the news release.

Bishop Richard F. Reidy said 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," Reidy said in the news release. "Although there has been no finding of guilt, the seriousness of the allegations necessitated his removal from ministry as a precautionary measure while the investigations and legal proceedings continue."