Father William J. Raiche

William J. Raiche Catholic Priest Diocese of Providence

Ordained: 1932

Status: Accused

Deceased: 1983

Assignment History

1932-1935: Our Lady of Consolation Church (Pawtucket, RI)
1935-1958: Holy Family Church (Woonsocket, RI)
1958-1978: Our Lady of Victories Church (Woonsocket, RI)
1978: Retired
1978-1980: Holy Family Church, residence (Woonsocket, RI)
1980: St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, temporary assignment (Woonsocket, RI)

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father William J. Raiche

Father William J. Raiche was ordained a priest in 1932 and served in the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island for more than four 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, Raiche 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, allegations against Raiche were received after his death. Raiche died on March 26, 1983.

Allegations Against Father William J. Raiche

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, Raiche allegedly sexually abused at least five girls, ages 5 to 12, between 1967 and the early 1980s.

The allegations reportedly included Raiche taking nude photographs of girls, fondling them, and kissing them. According to BishopAccountability.org, allegations were received in 1995, 1997, 1998, and 2002.

The alleged abuse reportedly occurred during the period when Raiche was assigned to Our Lady of Victories Church in Woonsocket and after his retirement while he was residing at Holy Family Church in Woonsocket.

Diocese of Providence Response to Father William J. Raiche Allegations

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, diocesan records show that Raiche underwent a psychological evaluation in 1970. The report states that the reason for the evaluation was not provided in the records.

According to BishopAccountability.org, the Chancellor wrote to the evaluating doctor that it was “reassuring to know that we can count on your professional confidence in these difficult situations.”

Although the known allegations were reportedly received after Raiche’s death, the 1970 psychological evaluation raises questions about what diocesan officials knew or suspected during his ministry.

Father William J. Raiche and Institutional Failures

Raiche’s case reflects concerns raised in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report about incomplete diocesan records and clergy who remained in ministry despite warning signs or concerns.

According to the Attorney General’s report, Raiche allegedly abused at least five girls over a period spanning from the late 1960s to the early 1980s. Diocesan records also show that he received a psychological evaluation in 1970, but the reason for the evaluation was not documented.

Raiche 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 William J. Raiche

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 William J. Raiche listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?

Yes. Father William J. Raiche 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 William J. Raiche – Diocese of Providence