Three priests suspended due to sexual assault allegations

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WLNE)- The Diocese of Fall River announced on Monday that three priests were suspended due to sexual assault allegations that were made by a minor.

The Diocese said that the allegations against Father James Buckley, Father Edward Byington, and Father Richard Degagne are all credbie, and that the priests were added to the “Credibly Accused” list on the Diocese’s website.

All three of the priests will not return to ministry, according to the Diocese.

Father Buckley was suspended in 2019. He was serving at Immaculate Conception Parish in Easton. Both Father Byington and Father Degagne were suspended in 2020, both were retired at the time of suspension.

“My prayers remain with any and all who have suffered sexual abuse by clergy, especially as a minor,” said Bishop Edgar da Cunha S.D.V.