Food Program Director Placed on Leave

March 14, 2022, WORCESTER, MA -- St. John Parish in Worcester has placed William Riley on administrative leave as the director of the St. John Food for the Poor Program pending the outcome of an investigation of claims of illegal activity involving adults. The action took place on Friday afternoon, March 11, 2022.

The complaint was received on Friday, March 11 by Judith Audette, LICSW, the Victim’s Assistance Coordinator for the Diocese of Worcester. Mrs. Audette immediately informed Bishop McManus, the Bishop of Worcester and St. John’s pastor, Father John Madden. The director was then placed on administrative leave. Given the seriousness of the allegations, the Bishop authorized hiring an independent third-party investigator by the diocese for a thorough investigation of this complaint.

The Diocese of Worcester takes any allegations of wrongdoing on the part of ordained and lay employees and volunteers seriously. Mrs. Audette recommended to the person making the allegation that the person also report it to civil authorities. Meanwhile, if any illegal actions are identified by the independent investigators, they will be immediately reported to the Worcester Police Department.

Respecting the complainant’s desire to remain anonymous, no further details will be made public at this time.
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