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November 5, 2020Statement of the Diocese of Providence on the arrest of John Petrocelli
The Diocese of Providence learned Thursday morning through media reports that John Petrocelli was arrested on child molestation charges. Petrocelli was removed from ministry nearly twenty years ago, in 2002, following receipt of credible allegations of abuse, which were promptly reported to law enforcement. His name was included on the List of Credibly Accused Clergy made public in July 2019. Every allegation of child sexual abuse is promptly reported to law enforcement regardless of credibility. Recent allegations made against Mr. Petrocelli were received by the diocesan Office of Compliance and promptly reported to law enforcement. Other inquiries regarding the arrest should be directed to the Rhode Island State Police and/or the Office of Attorney General.
The Diocese of Providence takes very seriously all allegations of abuse and works closely with law enforcement agencies in accordance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and diocesan policy. Anyone who has been the victim of sexual abuse, or with credible knowledge of such abuse, by any member of the church, is encouraged to report the information to the Rhode Island State Police Major Crimes Unit 401-444-1000, the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office 401-274-4400 or the diocesan Office of Compliance at 401-941-0760.
