Father Alfred R. Desrosiers
Ordained: 1961
Status: Charged; retired in 1997
Deceased: 2001
Assignment History
- Summer 1961: St. Michael Church (Smithfield, RI)
- 1961-1962: St. Jean Baptiste Church (Warren, RI)
- 1962-1971: Holy Family Church (Woonsocket, RI)
- 1971-1978: St. Joan of Arc Church (Cumberland, RI)
- 1977-1983: Mount St. Francis Day Care Center (Lincoln, RI)
- 1978-1993: Our Lady of Victories Church (Woonsocket, RI)
- 1993-1997: Suspended on leave
- 1997: Retired
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father Alfred R. Desrosiers
Father Alfred R. Desrosiers was ordained a priest in 1961 and served in the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island for more than three decades. According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy, Desrosiers has been identified as credibly accused of child sexual misconduct. He served at several Rhode Island parishes and institutions, including St. Joan of Arc Church in Cumberland, Our Lady of Victories Church in Woonsocket, and Mount St. Francis Day Care Center in Lincoln.
According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, Desrosiers reportedly sexually abused three teenage girls and one boy between 1972 and the mid-1980s. He was suspended from ministry in April 1993 and later retired in 1997.
According to BishopAccountability.org, Desrosiers was also accused in civil lawsuits filed in 1994 involving alleged sexual abuse while he was assigned to St. Joan of Arc Church in Cumberland.
Allegations Against Fr. Alfred R. Desrosiers at St. Joan of Arc Church
In 1993, a woman reported to the Diocese of Providence that Desrosiers sexually abused her from approximately 1972 to 1974, beginning when she was 15 years old and involved in the Catholic Youth Organization at St. Joan of Arc Church in Cumberland. Desrosiers was reportedly close with her family and spent time in their home.
According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s report, the woman alleged that Desrosiers used religious language and his authority as a priest to manipulate her and justify the abuse. The Diocese reported the complaint to Rhode Island State Police in 1994, and in September 1995, a grand jury indicted Desrosiers on one count of rape.
A second woman filed a civil lawsuit in 1994 alleging that Desrosiers sexually abused her in 1975 or 1976, when she was 16 years old and a St. Joan of Arc parishioner. She had reportedly been sent to Desrosiers by her parents for counseling.
Additional Allegations and Civil Claims
In 2012, the Diocese received a report that Desrosiers sexually abused an altar boy beginning when the boy was approximately eight years old in 1980, while Desrosiers was assigned to Our Lady of Victories Church in Woonsocket. The alleged abuse reportedly continued for several years.
In 2019, another woman reported that Desrosiers sexually abused her in 1974 or 1975, when she was approximately 14 or 15 years old. She was reportedly working part-time at St. Joan of Arc Church, was involved in the CYO, and knew Desrosiers as a family friend.
Desrosiers died on February 15, 2001, while the criminal rape case against him was still pending. Civil claims involving Desrosiers were later resolved, including one claim that was part of the Diocese of Providence’s September 2002 $13.5 million settlement involving clergy sexual abuse lawsuits.
Desrosiers was included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. He was also included in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Father Alfred R. Desrosiers
Can I sue for sexual abuse by a priest in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island’s new two-year revival window, beginning July 1, 2026, allows survivors of child sexual abuse to file claims that were previously blocked by the statute of limitations. You can bring a claim during this two-year window regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred. Because there is a deadline to file your claim, survivors should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
How long do I have to sue for sexual abuse in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island’s new law creates a two-year window for certain older child sexual abuse claims beginning July 1, 2026. Claims must be filed by June 30, 2028. Survivors should not wait, because it may be necessary to gather relevant documents, investigate the claim, and determine the appropriate parties to sue.
Can the Diocese of Providence be sued for my sexual abuse by a priest?
Possibly. Survivors may have claims against the Diocese of Providence or another Catholic institution, including parishes and schools, if there is evidence that the institution knew or should have known about the risk of abuse and failed to protect children. Horowitz Law attorneys can review the facts of your case and explain your legal options.
Was Father Alfred R. Desrosiers listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?
Yes. Father Alfred R. Desrosiers was included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. He was also included in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.
Rhode Island Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
Rhode Island’s new law creates a two-year revival window, beginning July 1, 2026, for certain older child sexual abuse claims. Horowitz Law is bringing these lawsuits in Rhode Island and has collected evidence of the Diocese of Providence’s negligence. The revival window allows survivors of clergy sexual abuse to pursue claims that were previously blocked by the statute of limitations. Filing deadlines will apply, so survivors should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Horowitz Law Is Here to Help
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Providence. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest or clergy member in Rhode Island, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Providence may have legal options due to Rhode Island’s new two-year revival window for certain child sexual abuse claims, but filing deadlines will apply, so do not delay in reaching out to us.
Contact us at 888-283-9922 or email sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz for a free consultation.