Father Robert W. Barnes (De La Salle Christian Brothers)
Also Known As: Br. Peter Barnes
Religious Order: De La Salle Christian Brothers
Ordained: 1980
Status: Accused; removed from ministry in 2002
Deceased: 2008
Assignment History
- Dates unknown: St. Raphael’s Academy (Pawtucket, RI)
- Dates unknown: Assignments in New Orleans, LA; New York, NY; Memphis, TN; and Paramus, NJ
- 1977: Entered seminary (Weston, MA)
- 1980: Ordained for the Diocese of Norwich
- Dates unknown: St. Bernard’s High School (Uncasville, CT)
- Dates unknown: St. Mary Star of the Sea Church (New London, CT)
- Dates unknown: St. Patrick Church (East Hampton, CT)
- Dates unknown: Our Lady of Grace Parish (Fishers Island, NY)
- 2002: Removed from ministry
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father Robert W. Barnes
Father Robert W. Barnes, also known as Brother Peter Barnes, was a former member of the De La Salle Christian Brothers who later became a priest in the Diocese of Norwich. According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy, Barnes was included in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report in connection with allegations of child sexual misconduct involving Rhode Island. He was accused of sexually assaulting minors in Rhode Island, including allegations connected to East Providence and St. Raphael’s Academy in Pawtucket.
According to BishopAccountability.org, Barnes spent approximately 30 years as a member of the De La Salle Christian Brothers, where he was known as Brother Peter. He worked in Rhode Island, Louisiana, New York, Tennessee, and New Jersey before entering the seminary in Weston, Massachusetts, in 1977. He was ordained a priest in 1980 for the Diocese of Norwich under his given name, Robert.
According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, a woman reported in 2002 that Barnes sexually assaulted her in East Providence, Rhode Island, in 1963, when she was 17 years old. The woman also alleged that other Christian Brothers sexually abused her sister.
The Attorney General’s report states that, after consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, Rhode Island State Police determined that prosecution was barred by the statute of limitations. Records reviewed by the Attorney General’s Office indicate that the complainant pursued a civil claim against the Christian Brothers and also sought participation in the Diocese’s arbitration program.
In 2019, an adult man reported that Barnes sexually assaulted him when he was 10 years old during the 1950s while Barnes was assigned to St. Raphael’s Academy in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. The allegation involved fondling and masturbation. The allegation was referred to the Christian Brothers and Rhode Island State Police, but the offense was not prosecutable because Barnes had died in 2008.
The Rhode Island Attorney General’s report states that Rhode Island State Police re-contacted both complainants in 2024 and 2025, and both reaffirmed their allegations.
Barnes died on July 5, 2008. He is included on the Diocese of Norwich list of clergy with allegations of substance of sexual abuse of a minor. However, he was not included on the Diocese of Providence list of credibly accused clergy. 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 Robert (Peter) W. Barnes
Can I sue for sexual abuse by a priest or brother 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 brother?
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 Robert W. Barnes listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?
Father Robert W. Barnes was included in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence. However, he was not included on the Diocese of Providence list of credibly accused clergy. He is also listed by the Diocese of Norwich as clergy with allegations 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, brothers, and other clergy in the Diocese of Providence. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest, brother, 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.
Contact us at 888-283-9922 or email sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz for a free consultation.