Monsignor Anthony DeAngelis Sex Abuse Investigation

Key Takeaways

Monsignor Anthony DeAngelis worked in the Diocese of Providence for more than 40 years before retiring in 1979.
In 1994, Dr. Ann Hagan Webb, a survivor and advocate, reported that DeAngelis sexually abused her repeatedly between approximately 1957 and 1965 while she attended Sacred Heart School.
The Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 Report examined the Diocese’s response to her reports of abuse.

Who Was Monsignor Anthony DeAngelis?

Monsignor Anthony DeAngelis was a priest of the Diocese of Providence who spent more than four decades at Sacred Heart Church.

Born on October 14, 1909, DeAngelis was ordained on March 18, 1935. His known assignments include:

St. Bartholomew Church, Providence (1935–1936)
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Providence (1936)
Sacred Heart Church, West Warwick (1936–1979)

DeAngelis retired in 1979 and died on January 23, 1990.

Allegations Against Monsignor Anthony DeAngelis

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 Report on Child Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Providence, Dr. Ann Hagan Webb, who authorized the Office to publish her name, reported that DeAngelis sexually abused her repeatedly between approximately 1957 and 1965 while she attended Sacred Heart School in West Warwick. Webb alleged that the abuse began when she was about five years old and continued until she was twelve years old while DeAngelis served as pastor of Sacred Heart Church.

According to the Report, “She reported repeated instances of forced masturbation, oral sex, digital vaginal penetration, and at least one instance of DeAngelis raping her with a crucifix.”

Webb first reported the abuse to the Diocese of Providence in 1994. “The initial investigation was presented to the Diocese’s ‘Review Committee for the Protection of Children’ on August 29, 1994. The Committee determined that the Diocese had no legal or financial obligation to Dr. Webb based on what they viewed to be unsubstantiated allegations. Ultimately, however, the Diocese provided Dr. Webb with minimal financial compensation and paid for her counseling over an extended period of time. Dr. Webb also reported the abuse to the Rhode Island State Police on March 31, 2014. The State Police informed her that since Monsignor DeAngelis died in 1990, they would take her statement but there could be no criminal investigation.” (Appendix A)

Attorney General’s Investigation

When the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Report was released in 2026, Webb publicly thanked investigators for finding her allegations credible. She stated that being deemed “not credible” by the Diocese for decades had haunted her.

Webb is a prominent advocate for survivors of clergy sexual abuse in Rhode Island. Alongside her sister, Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee, she supported legislative efforts to expand survivors’ legal rights and increase accountability for institutions that enabled abuse.

Per the AG’s report, “Bishop Gelineau granted Monsignor DeAngelis permission to retire on November 1, 1979. DeAngelis died on January 23, 1990, at the age of 80. On its website, the Diocese of Providence identifies Monsignor DeAngelis as ‘publicly accused’ (as opposed to ‘credibly accused’).”

Readers seeking additional details regarding the allegations against DeAngelis can reference Bishop Accountability and Appendix A of the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Report.

Andreozzi and Foote Represents Survivors

Although DeAngelis died in 1990, survivors may still have civil legal options against the institutions that supervised him.

Rhode Island’s recently enacted childhood 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 in Rhode Island and nationwide. 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 DeAngelis or another member of the clergy, we encourage you to speak with an attorney about your rights and potential legal options. Every consultation is free and completely confidential.

📞 (866) 311-8640
📧 info@vca.law