Father Edmund Micarelli
Ordained: 1959
Status: Settled
Deceased: 2019
Assignment History
- 1959-1961: St. Mary Church (Pawtucket, RI)
- 1961-1962: Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul (Providence, RI)
- 1962-1967: St. Ann Church (Cranston, RI)
- 1967-1973: Diocesan Chaplaincy for Scouting / Camp Yawgoog
- 1973-1975: Christ the King Church (South Kingstown, RI)
- 1975-1977: St. Matthew Church (Central Falls, RI)
- 1977-1988: Newman Center, University of Rhode Island
- 1988-1989: Retired / Leave
- 1990: Faculties removed
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father Edmund Micarelli
Father Edmund Micarelli was ordained a priest in 1959 and served in the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island for several decades. He is one of several Catholic clergy members connected to Rhode Island clergy sexual abuse lawsuits involving the Diocese of Providence.
According to the Diocese of Providence list of credibly accused clergy, Micarelli has been identified as credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. He was also included on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy in Appendix A of the Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.
According to BishopAccountability.org, Micarelli was removed from ministry in April 1990. The Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report states that Micarelli was accused of sexually abusing at least 12 children, ages 8 to 15, while he was a Boy Scout chaplain during the 1960s and 1970s, as well as four other children in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Micarelli died on July 12, 2019.
Allegations Against Father Edmund Micarelli
According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, allegations against Micarelli included rape, sexual abuse, and forcing children to perform sex acts on each other. The report also states that he allegedly sexually abused an 18-year-old homeless youth beginning in 1959.
Many of the allegations involved Micarelli’s role as a Boy Scout chaplain and his access to boys through scouting activities, including Camp Yawgoog. According to a Los Angeles Times report on Boy Scouts files, Micarelli was a longtime Boy Scouts chaplain and Catholic priest who was accused in 1990 of raping two brothers years earlier.
Civil Lawsuits and Settlements Involving Father Edmund Micarelli
According to BishopAccountability.org, a civil lawsuit filed in 1993 and six lawsuits filed in 1995 alleged that Micarelli sexually abused at least seven boys, including one alleged victim who said the abuse lasted for seven years.
The lawsuits alleged that Bishop Louis Gelineau and Auxiliary Bishop Kenneth Angell knew of Micarelli’s behavior before 1962. Claims involving Micarelli were later settled in September 2002 as part of a $13.5 million Diocese of Providence settlement involving 36 survivors of clergy sexual abuse.
Diocese of Providence Response to Father Edmund Micarelli Allegations
According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, a man reported to law enforcement in 1983 that Micarelli had sexually abused his son. The Diocese was informed, but there was no prosecution due to the statute of limitations.
Micarelli remained in ministry until 1988, when another accuser came forward to the Diocese. He was granted retirement in 1989 and moved to Florida. His faculties were removed in April 1990. According to BishopAccountability.org, Bishop Gelineau stated that Micarelli’s faculties were removed “to protect the Diocese.”
Father Edmund Micarelli and Institutional Failures
Micarelli’s case reflects a pattern seen in many clergy abuse cases: allegations were known or reported years before meaningful action was taken.
According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, Micarelli remained in ministry for years after allegations were reported. The report also describes how his roles as a priest, Boy Scout chaplain, and diocesan leader gave him access to children in multiple settings.
Micarelli was included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor in 2019. He was also included on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy in Appendix A of the Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Father Edmund Micarelli
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, schools, scouting programs, or youth organizations, 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 Edmund Micarelli listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?
Yes. Father Edmund Micarelli was included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor in 2019. He was also included on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy in Appendix A of the 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 connected to the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island. 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 a priest or clergy member in Rhode Island 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.