Former Dartmouth priest placed on administrative leave for alleged misconduct

A former Dartmouth priest is on administrative leave following an investigation into alleged misconduct, the Diocese of Fall River announced Sunday.

According to the diocese, Rev.Rodney Thibault was put on leave last week by Bishop Edgar da Cunha for the investigation into claims that were "inconsistent with the standards of ministerial behavior."

It is unclear when or where this incident occurred, but the diocese notes that the alleged misconduct “does not involve a minor.”

The statement did not provide any further information.

Thibault most recently served as a priest in North Attleboro, where he was appointed to work as a pastor in 2019. Prior to that, he worked for several years as a pastor and parish priest at St. Mary’s in Padanaram.

According to the diocese, Thibault is not permitted to exercise public ministry nor present himself as a priest in public settings during this leave of absence.

Anyone with any concerns about the conduct of any priest, staff, or volunteer affiliated with the diocese is encouraged to contact Director of Safe Environment and Victim Assistance Carolyn Shipp at (508) 985-6508 by emailing cshipp@dioc-fr.org.