‘We live with a big burden’: US sexual abuse survivor hopes priest’s death brings closure
Summary
A man named Keith Townsend spoke about his feelings after the death of Ronald Paquin, a defrocked Boston priest convicted of sexually abusing children, including Townsend himself. Paquin died in prison in September 2023, and Townsend hopes this event helps other victims and their families find closure.Key Facts
- Ronald Paquin was a Catholic priest in Boston who admitted to sexually abusing minors.
- Paquin was first exposed in the early 2000s during investigations by the Boston Globe’s Spotlight team.
- Paquin pleaded guilty in 2002 to abusing an altar server and was imprisoned, losing his priest status.
- Paquin was released from prison in 2015 but later charged again in Maine for abusing Keith Townsend and another person.
- In 2019, Paquin was sentenced to 16 years in prison and died in custody in September 2023 at age 83.
- Keith Townsend was abused by Paquin between ages 8 and 13, which led to struggles with addiction and incarceration.
- Townsend pushed for Paquin’s re-imprisonment to protect children and praised Maine authorities for prosecuting the case.
- Townsend hopes Paquin’s death will help survivors and families to find peace and continue healing.
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