Former Priest Convicted of Abuse Dies in Prison | Portland Maine News

A former priest convicted of sexually assaulting an altar boy has died in prison at 83, after serving seven years of a 16-year sentence. His crimes in Maine decades ago left lasting trauma for victims like Keith Townsend, who rejected the defense’s claim that Paquin was a victim himself. Already imprisoned for similar offenses in Massachusetts and named in the Boston Globe’s clergy abuse exposé, his sentence was upheld by the state supreme court — though his lawyer said 16 years was more than expected. Victims’ advocates hailed his death as a step toward safer children, while the Diocese of Portland remained silent. The cause of death remains undisclosed. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Sources:https://wgme.com/news/local/children-are-now-safer-sexual-abuse-victims-relieved-after-death-of-former-priest-maine-boston-globe-ronald-paquin-spotlight-roman-catholic More coverage & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/8c8e1def686afc01 Report issues to [email protected].