Father Kevin R. Fisette

Kevin R. Fisette Catholic Priest Diocese of Providence

Ordained: 1981

Status: Indicted; removed from ministry in 2009

Deceased: No

Assignment History

1981: Our Lady of Victory Church (Ashaway, RI)
1981-1982: Rhode Island Hospital (Providence, RI)
1982-1985: St. Mary Church (Cranston, RI)
1985-1990: St. Catherine of Siena Church (Warwick, RI)
1987-1988: Our Lady of Providence Preparatory Seminary High School (Providence, RI)
1989-1997: Bishop Hendricken High School (Warwick, RI)
1990-1993: St. James Church (West Warwick, RI)
1990-1993: Pawtuxet Valley CYO (Warwick, RI)
1993-1997: Saints Peter and Paul Church (West Warwick, RI)
1997-2004: Holy Name of Jesus Church (Providence, RI)
1998-1999: Father Barry CYO Center (Pawtucket, RI)
2004-2009: St. Leo the Great Church (Pawtucket, RI)

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father Kevin R. Fisette

Father Kevin R. Fisette was ordained a priest in 1981 and served in the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island for nearly three decades. According to the Diocese of Providence list of credibly accused clergy, Fisette has been identified as credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. Fisette served at several Rhode Island parishes, schools, and institutions, including Rhode Island Hospital, Bishop Hendricken High School, Holy Name of Jesus Church in Providence, and St. Leo the Great Church in Pawtucket.

According to BishopAccountability.org, Fisette was placed on leave and resigned from St. Leo the Great Church in Pawtucket in August 2009 after a complaint that he sexually abused a 13-year-old boy between 1981 and 1982.

The Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report also identifies Fisette as one of the current or former priests indicted on child sexual abuse charges as a direct result of the Attorney General’s investigation. He does not appear to have an individual profile in Appendix A because his criminal case was still pending.

Allegations Against Father Kevin R. Fisette

According to media reports, the allegation against Fisette involved sexual abuse of a boy when Fisette was serving as a deacon at Our Lady of Victory Church in Hopkinton and as a chaplain at Rhode Island Hospital. Fisette was ordained to the priesthood on November 21, 1981.

State police reportedly found the allegations credible, but no criminal charges were initially filed because of the statute of limitations. Fisette was later included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor in 2019.

Criminal Indictment Against Father Kevin R. Fisette

In June 2022, the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office announced that Fisette had been indicted by a Statewide Grand Jury on one count of first-degree sexual assault. The charge reportedly involved the alleged sexual assault of a juvenile male in Burrillville, Rhode Island, between January 1, 1981, and December 31, 1982.

At the time of the alleged assault, Fisette was serving as a deacon at Our Lady of Victory Parish in Hopkinton and as a chaplain at Rhode Island Hospital. The Attorney General’s Office stated that Fisette was removed from ministry by the Diocese of Providence in August 2009 but had not been laicized, or dismissed from the clerical state, by the Catholic Church.

Fisette pleaded not guilty. According to BishopAccountability.org, as of May 2025, Fisette’s attorney stated that the case was in a “ready trial posture,” with trial scheduled for November 2026. An indictment is an allegation, and Fisette is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Fisette was included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. The Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report also identifies him as one of the priests indicted on child sexual abuse charges as a direct result of the Attorney General’s investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Father Kevin R. Fisette

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 Kevin R. Fisette listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?

Yes. Father Kevin R. Fisette was included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. The Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report also identifies Fisette as one of the current or former priests indicted on child sexual abuse charges as a direct result of the Attorney General’s investigation, but he does not appear to have an individual profile in Appendix A because his criminal case was still pending.

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.

Father Kevin R. Fisette – Diocese of Providence