Father Peter Scagnelli

Peter Scagnelli Catholic Priest Diocese of Providence

Ordained: 1976

Status: Settled

Deceased: 2017

Assignment History

1975-1976: St. John the Evangelist Church (North Smithfield/Slatersville, RI)
1976-1977: St. Ann Church (Providence, RI)
1977-1981: St. Timothy Church (Warwick, RI)
1981-1987: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church (Bristol, RI)
1981-1985: Roger Williams University (Bristol, RI)
1985-1986: East Bay Regional CYO Center (East Providence, RI)
1986-1987: St. Mary of the Bay Church (Warren, RI)
1987-1988: Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul (Providence, RI)
1988-1991: Office of Worship and Liturgy (Providence, RI)
1988-1991: Sacred Heart Church (Woonsocket, RI)
1988: Holy Trinity Church (Central Falls, RI)
1988: St. Patrick Church (Providence, RI)
1991: St. Anthony Church (Woonsocket, RI)
1991-1994: Sabbatical, St. Anselm Abbey (Manchester, NH)
1994: Suspended on leave

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father Peter Scagnelli

Father Peter Scagnelli was ordained a priest in 1976 and served in the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island. He was assigned to multiple parishes and Catholic institutions, including St. Timothy Church in Warwick, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Bristol, Roger Williams University, the East Bay Regional CYO Center, and Sacred Heart Church in Woonsocket.

According to the Diocese of Providence list of credibly accused clergy, Scagnelli 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, Scagnelli was removed from ministry in 1994. He died on July 12, 2017.

Allegations Against Father Peter Scagnelli

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, Scagnelli was the subject of allegations involving the sexual abuse of six boys and two young men between 1977 and 1994. The alleged abuse included forced oral sex and rape. The report also noted an allegation that Scagnelli groomed a teenage boy in 2000.

One man reported that in 1979 or 1980, he told a friend that Scagnelli had abused him. According to BishopAccountability.org, the friend told his father, who brought the alleged victim, his mother, and his aunt to the rectory, where they confronted Scagnelli. The alleged victim said another priest was present. The friend’s father reportedly threatened to go to the bishop if Scagnelli was not gone within 30 days.

The alleged victim later said his family was forced to move away after they were threatened with excommunication for reporting Scagnelli.

Diocese of Providence Response to Father Peter Scagnelli Allegations

According to the Diocese, the first formal complaint was received in 1993. Scagnelli was sent in 1994 to the Institute of Living in Hartford, Connecticut, for a psychiatric evaluation and was suspended from ministry that year.

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, despite Scagnelli’s 1994 suspension, the Diocese was notified multiple times between 2000 and 2004 that Scagnelli was saying Mass in Massachusetts. The Diocese contacted the Vatican in 2004 to request Scagnelli’s laicization, but did not send further documentation when requested by the Vatican in 2005. The Vatican contacted the Diocese again in 2013 requesting documents, and some were sent. The process ended in 2016 because Scagnelli was terminally ill.

According to the Attorney General’s report, none of the cases could be prosecuted because of the statute of limitations. The report noted that one case could have been prosecuted had the Diocese reported the allegations to law enforcement. The accuser in that case received a settlement in 2005.

Father Peter Scagnelli and Institutional Failures

Scagnelli’s case reflects concerns raised in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report about clergy who remained active or attempted to perform ministry after suspension, as well as delays in reporting allegations to law enforcement.

Scagnelli 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 Peter Scagnelli

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 Peter Scagnelli listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?

Yes. Father Peter Scagnelli 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.

Father Peter Scagnelli – Diocese of Providence