Salem Catholic School Warns Parents About Accused Attempted Child Sex Assaulter

SALEM, NH — A local Catholic school has warned parents about a Massachusetts man and former music minister who was involved at the school being restricted from ministry work by the Diocese of Manchester due to allegedly engaging in inappropriate behavior. Kyle Erickson of Methuen, MA, was a Catholic Corps assistant at St. Joseph Regional Catholic School on Main Street in Salem last year, according to Mary Croteau, the principal at the school since July. In a letter to parents and guardians, Croteau stated that he was also employed for several years as a music minister at St. Mary and Joseph Parish until he left in August.

During this time, he “occasionally visited our school and worked with students in our Catholic Corps program,” she noted. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Salem NH Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts. Like Salem NH Patch of Facebook)

“I recently learned that Mr. Erickson has been restricted from ministry in the Diocese of Manchester due to his engaging in behavior that violates the diocesan Code of Ministerial Conduct,” Croteau stated. “Mr. Erickson is no longer eligible to work or volunteer at any parish or school in the diocese.”

Croteau informed parents that to the best of the school’s knowledge, Erickson worked with teachers and students weren’t alone with him. However, she also encouraged parents to speak with their children and report any inappropriate behavior they may have allegedly had with him to police.

Erickson, 20, was arrested on Oct. 12, 2017, on two felony counts of prohibited use of a computer and a single felony count of attempted aggravated felonious sexual assault after he allegedly used an electronic device to solicit a child under the age of 16 for sex, according to police. He’s being held at the Rockingham County House of Corrections in cash bail.

Croteau stated that parents could call Derry Police at 603-432-6111 if they have any information to report.

“I ask that you pray for all those affected by this case,” she added.

Erickson’s Facebook site – which introduces viewers with three words: “Pray, Play, Repeat” – also stated that he was a worship leader at St. Matthew Parish in Windham and leads the Sing & Shout Worship group that performs at the church.

Image via Derry Police.