Father Bouchard is no longer on administrative leave and his good name will be restored
NEWS RELEASE
July 1, 2024
Contact: Dennis Biviano, PR & Media Specialist, (330) 744-8451, ext. 320; dbiviano@youngstowndiocese.org
YOUNGSTOWN, OH – The Very Reverend William Lawrence, Provincial Superior of the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter, has reported to the Diocese of Youngstown that an Independent Review Board found no sufficient evidence to proceed with criminal action in the matter of accusations against Father Denis Bouchard.
Father Bouchard, the former pastor of Queen of the Holy Rosary Parish, was placed on leave in 2018 after a man accused Bouchard of sexual abuse when he was a child. The jury rendered a verdict in Father Bouchard’s favor on the claims for civil assault, civil battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
The investigation is now closed, Father Bouchard is no longer on administrative leave and his good name is restored. Father Bouchard will return to his Provincial Headquarters and receive a new assignment. The Diocese of Youngstown extends its best wishes to Father Bouchard in his continuing ministry.
To learn more about the Diocese of Youngstown’s Safe Environment Policy or how to report abuse, please visit the website.
