Fr. Martineau on leave for credible allegation of abuse of a minor

December 12, 2022, Worcester, MA – Following an independent investigation, and subsequent recommendation by the Diocesan Review Committee, Most Reverend Robert J. McManus has determined that there is a credible allegation of sexual abuse of a minor by Reverend Alan J. Martineau.  Fr. Martineau has been on administrative leave since January, 2022 and will remain on leave and cannot present himself as a priest.  The Department of Children and Families (DCF) and law enforcement authorities have been notified in a timely manner and a canonical process, including notice to the Vatican, has been initiated to adjudicate the allegation.

    In late January of this year Fr. Martineau was scheduled to be transferred to a new parish to benefit from the tutelage of a seasoned pastor because of concerns over boundary issues with a minor, and for other pastoral issues.  Before that assignment took place, additional information was reported to the Diocese that prompted Bishop McManus to place Fr. Martineau on leave, suspend his faculties to function publicly as a priest, and to begin the independent investigation.  Those concerns were shared with DCF and law enforcement in early February.  The independent investigation was recently completed.  This is the first allegation claiming that an act of sexual abuse of a minor by a diocesan priest occurred in the last 24 years.

    “A claim of sexual abuse of a minor is always a serious and deeply disturbing issue. Removing the faculties from Father Martineau to perform clerical duties or even present himself as a priest and reporting the matter to public authorities is consistent with the canonical norms associated with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People,” said Bishop McManus. “While our Victim Assistance Coordinator continues to offer assistance to this person and the family, I ask that you keep all victims of abuse in your prayers as well as our continued vigilance in maintaining safe environments for the children and young people we serve in our parishes, schools and agencies.”

    Fr. Martineau was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Worcester in June 2018. He served as a temporary associate pastor at St. Anne, Shrewsbury prior to returning to Rome that fall for advanced studies in canon law. In July 2020 he was appointed administrator of St. Paul Parish, Warren and St. Stanislaus Parish, West Warren as well as Defender of the Bond in the Diocesan Tribunal. He has been on administrative leave since January 2022 pending the outcome of the canonical investigation.
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