Three Fall River Priests denied a return to ministry

Diocese finds sexual assault allegations against Father Buckley, Byington and Degagne to be "credible"

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WLNE) – Three Fall River Priests have been relieved of their ministry duties following a determination made Monday afternoon by the Diocese of Fall River that Father James Buckley, Father Edward Byington and Father Richard Degagne were all “credibly accused” of sexual abuse.

The three former Fathers are each facing separate allegations relating to sexual assault of a minor over a span of approximately 22 years in children ages 6 to 17 years old. Degagne has been suspended since 2019, while Buckley and Byington were suspended each on separate charges in 2020. The victims included four males and two females from various Fall River churces.

While all three priests deny the charges, one of the victims  issued a statement Tuesday afternoon in response to the removal of Father Edward Byington, his alleged abuser. “I don’t want any of the kids to end up in this situation, and have to go through what I’ve already gone through, says Richard Eldridge.

Following Monday’s determination, the former priests are no longer allowed to provide spiritual direction, wear clerical attire, or present themselves as priests.

This is a developing story. Stick with Abc6 News for additional details as they become available.