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1 800 686 9921
Father Ronald H. Paquin was a priest in the Archdiocese of Boston with a documented history of sexual abuse spanning decades. Over the course of two decades, the Archdiocese received at least 18 complaints that he had sexually abused boys. He was placed on leave in 1990 and reinstated in 1998, but was not permanently removed from ministry until 2000. He was formally laicized in May 2004. Paquin was also named in 24 civil lawsuits alleging he sexually abused children at his Haverhill and Methuen parishes, and the Archdiocese settled at least six of those claims for a total exceeding $500,000. His name was included on the Boston Archdiocese’s published list of clergy with credible allegations of sexual abuse in August 2011. Survivors allege sexual abuse occurring during his time in the priesthood, including repeated incidents during trips to a campground in Kennebunkport, Maine, in the late 1980s.
In December 2002, Paquin pleaded guilty in Massachusetts to three counts of child rape involving an altar boy from his Haverhill parish and was sentenced to 12 to 15 years in prison. He subsequently faced criminal charges in Maine, where he was originally indicted in February 2017 on 29 counts of gross sexual misconduct involving two boys. Following reindictment in November 2017 — which brought the total to 31 counts — he was found guilty in November 2018 on 11 counts related to one of those boys. He was sentenced in May 2019 to serve 16 years in prison. In April 2020, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court upheld 10 of those 11 convictions.
With decades of dedicated advocacy, we have held abusers and institutions accountable, helping survivors secure justice and the resources to move forward.
For over two decades, we have focused solely on advocating for survivors, combining legal skill with compassion to guide them toward justice and healing.
We are honored to have guided thousands of survivors through the legal process, offering support, advocacy, and the resources they need to reclaim their lives.
Survivors of Father Paquin may face lasting emotional and psychological consequences stemming from the abuse they experienced. Civil litigation may provide a path to acknowledgment, accountability, and, in some cases, financial compensation. Massachusetts and Maine law may accommodate delayed reporting in certain circumstances, recognizing that survivors often require years to come forward due to fear, trauma, and power imbalances. An attorney can evaluate whether a civil claim may be available based on your specific situation.
Legal action may also hold the Archdiocese accountable for its failures in supervision and for allowing Paquin continued access to minors despite repeated complaints. Pursuing civil remedies can help ensure transparency, preserve a record of institutional responsibility, and promote systemic reforms to prevent future abuse.
For many survivors, taking legal action has been a way to reclaim their voice and assert their right to be heard — reinforcing that long-standing patterns of abuse cannot be ignored. Civil claims have, for many, provided a sense of validation and formal recognition, and may contribute to broader accountability within the Church.
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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