Deacon Laurence Gagnon

Ordained: 1979

Status: Convicted; removed from ministry in 2011

Deceased: 2021

Assignment History

1979-1990: West View Nursing Home (West Warwick, RI)
1990-2011: St. Joseph Church and School (West Warwick, RI)
2011: Faculties suspended

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Deacon Laurence Gagnon

Deacon Laurence Gagnon was ordained to the permanent diaconate in 1979 and served in the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island for more than three decades. According to the Diocese of Providence list of credibly accused clergy, Gagnon has been identified as credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. He served at West View Nursing Home in West Warwick and later at St. Joseph Church and School in West Warwick.

According to BishopAccountability.org, Gagnon was allowed to resign in June 2011 after he was accused of inappropriately touching at least three sixth-grade boys between 2006 and 2011. The boys were reportedly his students at St. Joseph School.

Allegations Against Deacon Laurence Gagnon at St. Joseph School

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, Gagnon was accused of sexually assaulting multiple boys while he was assigned to St. Joseph Church and School in West Warwick. The report states that the investigation began in April 2011 after three students reported inappropriate conduct by Gagnon.

As law enforcement investigated, additional potential victims came forward. According to the Attorney General’s report, several boys alleged that Gagnon repeatedly touched them inappropriately, pulled down their pants, or engaged in other sexual misconduct.

Criminal Case Against Deacon Laurence Gagnon

Gagnon was arrested in August 2011 and charged with three counts of second-degree child molestation. He was removed from ministry that same month.

According to BishopAccountability.org, Gagnon confessed to fondling three boys. He later pleaded no contest to three counts of second-degree child molestation.

In April 2013, Gagnon was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with 1 year to serve and the remaining 9 years suspended on probation. He was also ordered to register as a Level 3 sex offender.

Gagnon died on August 28, 2021. He 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 and in the Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Deacon Laurence Gagnon

Can I sue for sexual abuse by a deacon 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 deacon?

Possibly. Survivors may have claims against the Diocese of Providence, a Catholic school, a parish, or another Catholic institution 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 Deacon Laurence Gagnon listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?

Yes. Deacon Laurence Gagnon 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 on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy and in 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, deacons, 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.

Deacon Laurence Gagnon – Diocese of Providence