Convicted Father Daniel Azzarone

Key Takeaways

Daniel Azzarone was accused of sexually abusing at least six boys over the course of his priesthood.
In 2005, he pleaded no contest to two counts of first-degree sexual assault involving minors.
Azzarone was laicized in 2009 and is included on both the Diocese of Providence’s list of credibly accused clergy and the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report.

A Level III Sex Offender, Father Daniel Azzarone is among the clergy identified in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 Report on Credibly Accused Clergy in the Diocese of Providence.

Who Was Daniel Azzarone?

Born on March 11, 1951, Daniel Azzarone was ordained as a priest for the Diocese of Providence on June 16, 1978.

According to the Rhode Island AG’s Report, “Father Daniel Azzarone was accused of child sexual abuse by at least six boys and convicted of raping two. The alleged abuse spanned Azzarone’s time in ministry, with the first reported incident taking place during his first Diocesan assignment in 1978, to subsequent reported incidents near the time of his arrest and subsequent removal in 2001.”

The Attorney General’s report further notes that the Diocese received allegations of child sexual abuse involving Azzarone as early as 1985. Additional complaints reported in 1992 and 1999. Despite these reports, Azzarone remained in active ministry until his arrest in 2001.

Daniel Azzarone’s Assignments

Father Daniel Azzarone served in the following assignments:

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Providence (1978–1980)
St. Clement Church, Warwick (1980–1981)
St. Paul Church, Cranston (1981–1983)
St. Ann Church, Providence (1983–1990)
St. Mary Church, Cranston (1990–2001)

Allegations & Conviction

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s report, Azzarone allegedly abused multiple boys throughout his priesthood, often providing victims with alcohol and, in some cases, marijuana.

In November 2001, two boys reported that Azzarone had sexually abused them while he was assigned to St. Mary Church in Cranston. The allegations led to his arrest and indictment on multiple sexual assault charges, and he was subsequently placed on leave.

In September 2005, Azzarone pleaded no contest to two counts of first-degree sexual assault involving two teenage boys. According to the report, “He was sentenced on September 6, 2005, to ten years in prison, with three years to serve, seven years suspended with probation, and ordered to register as a Level III Sex Offender.”

The Rhode Island Attorney General’s report states that the Diocese ultimately paid more than $2 million in settlements and arbitration awards related to credible allegations against Azzarone. In 2009, he was laicized by Pope Benedict XVI.

After his conviction and removal from the priesthood, Azzarone remained the subject of public concern. Members of SNAP brought attention to the fact that he was employed by a Providence nonprofit serving formerly incarcerated adults, OpenDoors, and called on the Bishop “‘to inform the community and to inform organizations working with vulnerable persons about known or suspected predators.'”

Azzarone remains a registered Level III sex offender and is included on the Diocese’s List of Credibly Accused Clergy.

For a more comprehensive history of Daniel Azzarone, please see the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Appendix A.

Were You Abused by Father Daniel Azzarone?

At Andreozzi + Foote, we focus exclusively on representing survivors of sexual abuse in civil cases against institutions like the Catholic Church.

Even though the abuse described in this case occurred years ago, survivors may still have legal options.

If you or a loved one were harmed by Father Daniel Azzarone or another clergy member, our trauma-informed attorneys are here to help you understand your rights and explore your legal options.