During two decades of ministry in Haverhill and Methuen, the Rev. Ronald H. Paquin made a habit of befriending young male parishioners and molesting them.
Although numerous complaints were made to the archdiocese over the years, Paquin was not removed from parish ministry until 1990. Even then, Paquin continued to molest one boy while he was living at a church treatment center in Milton, according to the victim.
Unlike most accused priests, Paquin has acknowledged his long history of abusive behavior. In December 2002, he became the first Boston clergyman to admit guilt in a criminal molestation case. Paquin pleaded guilty to three counts of raping a Haverhill boy and was sentenced to 12 to 15 years in prison. He has agreed to testify against the Boston Archdiocese in other abuse cases. At least 28 civil lawsuits are still pending against him.
See the story list to the left for the latest coverage of the Paquin case.
The Rev. Ronald Paquin clasps his hands during his arraignment in Haverhill District Court in May 2002. (Globe Staff Photo / Tom Landers)
Joseph Birmingham
John Geoghan
