Retired Providence priest accused of sexually assaulting a child
By Bianca Buono
@BBuonoABC6
A retired priest from the Diocese of Providence can no longer perform priestly duties after the diocese says he sexually assaulted a child approximately 60 years ago.
Ann Hagan Webb, the leader of a support group for victims abused by priests in Rhode Island, has seen several instances of abuse in the church; but this most recent case hits close to home.
"My family’s known him probably for 60 years. He married my parents,” explained Ann Hagan Webb, the leader of SNAP Rhode Island.
Ninety-five-year-old Reverend B. Samuel Turillo, who retired back in 1994, used to be Hagan Webb’s family priest at Sacred Heart in West Warwick. When she was sexually assaulted by a monsignor back in the early ’90’s, the diocese told her to go to her priest.
"My parents were still attending that parish and I went down with my mother to talk to Father Turillo about it,” Hagan Webb said.
Now, that same priest she once confided in cannot perform priestly duties. After recent allegations, the diocese investigated Turillo, concluding allegations that he sexually assaulted a child 60 years ago were credible. The Vatican will now assess the case and determine what the ultimate consequences will be.
"I can’t tell you how often I have people coming to my office that are 50 or 60 and are finally addressing it after all these years,” Hagan Webb said.
We knocked on Turillo’s door but got no answer. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence declined to go on camera, but released a statement, saying in part:
"Church law is firm and consistent regardless of the age of the accused priest or the time frame of the alleged incident."
"I’m almost surprised that they issued a statement on this. I’m pleased that they did for whatever reason. I do know that there are other priests out there they haven’t come forward on,” Hagan Webb said.
Turillo spent his final 15 years of service at Sacred Heart but he had several assignments before that, some for very short periods of time. Hagan Webb says that’s often times a bad sign.
"When they’re moved every year or two yes that’s often an indication that something’s up, something suspicious is up,” said Hagan Webb.
Due to the statute of limitations, Turillo won’t be charged; but Hagan Webb says in most cases, there are multiple victims. She encourages other victims to contact police.
© WLNE-TV 2016
