Key Takeaways
- Father Norman Leboeuf was accused of sexually abusing a teenage altar server while serving at St. Agnes Parish in Providence during the mid-1960s.
- The allegation was reported to the Diocese in 2018 and is documented in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 Report on Child Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Providence.
- Although Leboeuf died in 1983, survivors may still have legal options against institutions responsible for overseeing his ministry.
Who Was Father Norman Leboeuf?
Father Norman Leboeuf was a priest of the Diocese of Providence.
Born on August 8, 1910, Leboeuf was ordained on May 22, 1937. During his ministry, he served at several Rhode Island churches. According to the The Providence Journal, “He was also director of the Pawtucket Public Library for many years, and director of the Diocesan Priest Choir from 1950 to 1969.” Leboeuf died on March 30, 1983, before the allegation against him became public.
The allegations against Leboeuf are detailed in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 Report on Child Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Providence. He is not included on the Diocese of Providence’s List of Credibly Accused Clergy.
Leboeuf’s Partial Assignment History
According to the AG’s Report, Leboeuf’s partial assignment history included:
- 1941: Sacred Heart Church, Pawtucket
- 1941–1957: Our Lady of Providence Seminary, Warwick
- 1957: St. Jude Church, Lincoln
- 1957–1964: St. Michael Church, Providence
- 1964–1968: St. Agnes Church, Providence
- 1968–1980: St. Edward Church, Pawtucket
Allegations Against Father Norman Leboeuf
According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 Report, a man reported to the Diocese in 2018 that Father Norman Leboeuf sexually abused him when he was 14 or 15 years old in 1965 or 1966. At that time, Leboeuf was assigned to St. Agnes Parish in Providence.
The complainant alleged that after serving as an altar server at a wedding, Leboeuf fondled him during a car ride home, “despite his attempts to stop him.”
According to the Report, “After the complainant was dropped off, Leboeuf reportedly called him at home and asked him to return to St. Agnes Rectory so that he could apologize in person. According to the complainant, he reluctantly complied, influenced by Leboeuf’s stature and authority as a priest. Once there, Father Leboeuf reportedly attempted to kiss the complainant and touch his genitals, but the complainant was able to escape and had no further contact with Leboeuf.”
The survivor reported that he told a close friend about the incident shortly afterward. The police were notified by the Diocese, but because Leboeuf died in 1983, the Rhode Island State Police closed the investigation without criminal charges.
In 2024, Rhode Island State Police interviewed that friend, who confirmed that the complainant had disclosed the abuse when they were teenagers, “though he did not recall the complainant going into detail about where he was touched or for how long. He also recalled a second incident where Father Leboeuf tried to hug and kiss the complainant but was unsure when that occurred.” (Appendix A)
Diocese of Providence’s Response
In response to the man’s allegation, in February 2019, the matter was presented to the Diocesan Review Board, but there is no record of what, if anything, was determined or recommended as a result. The Diocese also offered to coordinate counseling services for the complainant.
However, Father Norman Leboeuf was not included when the Diocese published its 2019 List of Credibly Accused Clergy. The complainant later publicly questioned the omission, expressing concern that it suggested his allegation had been considered “less than credible.” The Attorney General’s Report also notes that Diocesan records do not reflect outreach to the corroborating witness identified by the complainant.
Readers seeking additional information regarding Father Norman Leboeuf should review Appendix A of the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 Report on Child Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Providence.
Were You Harmed by Father Norman Leboeuf?
Although Father Norman Leboeuf died in 1983, survivors may still have civil legal options against the religious institutions responsible for overseeing his ministry.
Rhode Island’s child sexual abuse revival window has created an opportunity for survivors to pursue civil claims that may have previously been barred by the statute of limitations.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we represent survivors of clergy sexual abuse across the nation. Our team takes a trauma-informed approach to every case, ensuring survivors are heard, supported, and empowered throughout the legal process.
If you were abused by Father Norman Leboeuf or another member of the clergy, we encourage you to contact us today to learn about your legal options.
Every consultation is free and completely confidential.
📞 (866) 311-8640
📧 info@vca.law
Image sources: Saint Agnes Catholic Church, Providence, RI, via Facebook. Fr. Norman Leboeuf, via Bishop Accountability.
