Father Geoffrey Chase

Geoffrey Chase Catholic Priest Diocese of Providence

Religious Order: Order of Saint Benedict

Ordained: 1959

Status: Accused

Deceased: 2023

Assignment History

1960-2002: Portsmouth Abbey School (Portsmouth, RI)
2002: Sent away for treatment and long-term care

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father Geoffrey Chase

Father Geoffrey Chase was ordained a priest in 1959 and was a member of the Order of Saint Benedict. He worked at Portsmouth Abbey School in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, beginning in 1960. According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, Chase has been identified in connection with allegations of child sexual misconduct involving students at Portsmouth Abbey School within the Diocese of Providence.

According to BishopAccountability.org, Chase taught math and later computer science at Portsmouth Abbey School. He also reportedly served as a dorm housemaster during the mid-1960s.

In November 2016, Portsmouth Abbey School contacted alumni regarding past sexual abuse and hired a law firm to investigate allegations involving the school. According to the 2017 Debevoise & Plimpton report, Chase was sent away from Portsmouth Abbey School in 2002 for treatment and long-term care after past sexual abuse of a student came to light.

The report states that Chase admitted to abusing three additional students during the early 1970s through the early 1980s. In August 2017, Chase was reportedly in his late 80s and in poor health.

Chase died on August 1, 2023. He was included in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Father Geoffrey Chase

Can I sue for sexual abuse by a priest or religious order member 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 or religious order member?

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 Geoffrey Chase listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?

Father Geoffrey Chase was included in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence. Based on the available source information, Chase does not appear to have been included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor.

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, religious order member, 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.

Father Geoffrey Chase – Diocese of Providence