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Father Daniel W. Lacroix was ordained in 1988 and served for decades in parishes within the Diocese of Fall River, including pastoral roles in New Bedford and surrounding communities. In November 2019, Lacroix was placed on administrative leave after an external audit of diocesan personnel records brought allegations of past sexual abuse to the diocese’s attention that allegedly occurred decades earlier.
A diocesan review board subsequently deemed the allegations “credible” and recommended his permanent removal from priestly ministry, a decision Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha accepted in November 2020. Lacroix was formally included on the Diocese of Fall River’s published list of clergy credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor in January 2021.
Lacroix has denied the allegations and filed a defamation lawsuit against Bishop da Cunha following his removal. These developments represent a serious institutional record of sexual abuse allegations connected to his decades of ministry.
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Sexual abuse allegations against Daniel W. Lacroix span multiple decades. According to a report from the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, the alleged abuse began approximately in the mid-1980s — prior to his 1988 ordination, when Lacroix was reportedly working as a seminary camp counselor — and the last alleged incident occurred in approximately 1991 or 1992. The alleged conduct involves a victim who was a minor at the time the abuse is said to have begun.
Although Lacroix had been internally reviewed by the diocese on prior occasions, the diocese did not publicly act until 2019, when he was placed on administrative leave following an external personnel records review. He was permanently removed from ministry the following year after the diocesan review board found the allegations credible.
Concerns have been raised — including by community members connected to a parish school where Lacroix served — about whether affected families and institutions were adequately informed of the diocese’s actions in a timely manner. Civil litigation in cases like this often examines the nature and timing of institutional responses, including supervision, personnel decisions, and what diocesan officials knew and when.
In civil court, lawsuits in clergy abuse cases may name both the individual priest and the diocese, and may examine the diocese’s knowledge, oversight practices, and placement decisions. The criminal statute of limitations has already been found to bar prosecution in this matter. Whether civil claims remain available depends on the specific facts of each survivor’s situation, including when the survivor connected their injuries to the alleged abuse. Survivors are strongly encouraged to consult with an attorney to evaluate their options under current Massachusetts law.
When civil cases are resolved through settlement or judgment, they may provide a meaningful form of accountability and acknowledgment for survivors. The passage of time does not automatically foreclose all legal options, and every survivor’s situation is unique. If you or someone you know may have been harmed by Father Daniel W. Lacroix, you may be able to pursue civil accountability for the harm endured.
Every survivor deserves compassion and acknowledgment. This video explains how civil law empowers individuals harmed by clergy abuse to pursue accountability and closure. Justice extends beyond courtrooms; it allows survivors to reclaim their voice and aids them on their healing journey. Survivors across Massachusetts continue proving that truth carries strength and healing begins with being heard.
Our experienced and compassionate team of attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and support staff have extensive training in working with sexual abuse victims.
These cases are complex; however, our team are experts in these types of cases and will diligently ensure our clients are compensated for full and fair value. We always do our best to help our clients heal by giving them a voice
and helping them seek a measure of justice.
Massachusetts Disclaimer:Herman Law has a multistate practice representing victims of sexual abuse in civil cases. A Herman Law attorney is licensed to practice law in Massachusetts. Each case is different, and results in prior cases do not assure a similar outcome in future cases. If there is no recovery, no fees or expenses will be charged. Attorney Advertising by Jenny Rossman.
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