Few crimes are as serious as child sexual abuse, especially when that abuse comes from a trusted ecclesiastical advisor. Unfortunately, there have been many recent allegations of child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church – and now, former Reverend David Marcotte has been arrested on child sexual abuse charges in Indianapolis.
Facing felony charges of child solicitation, dissemination of matter harmful to minors, and vicarious sexual gratification, the former Catholic priest was suspended by the Indianapolis Archdiocese back in February. Representatives of the archdiocese claims that Marcotte was suspended just six days after the victim assistance coordinator first received a sexual abuse complaint.
A History of Abusive Behavior
Most recently, Marcotte was serving as a chaplain at Roncalli High School in Hamilton County, in addition to providing sacramental assistance at Saints Francis and Clare Parish. When the alleged abuse began in 2016, however, Marcotte was working at two other locations for the Catholic Church: St. Martin of Tours Parish and St. Malachy Church and School.
According to the probable cause affidavit for Marcotte’s arrest, the former priest continually engaged a fifteen-year-old boy in sexual talk and lewd behavior between 2016 and 2018. While in a position of power and authority over the child, Marcotte allegedly used platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat to video chat and groom his young victim.
Sending a Message to Sexual Abusers
At Wagner Reese, our hearts go out to all the victims of clergy sexual abuse. In recent years, the Catholic Church has made a concerted effort to identify abusers like Rev. Marcotte and remove them from their positions. However, in many cases these efforts are “too little, too late” – and victims continue to wrestle with PTSD and other damaging effects long after leaving the abusive situation behind.
If you’ve ever suffered as the result of sexual abuse, you do not have to remain silent any longer. Although nothing can truly make up for what you’ve experienced, you could be entitled to compensation for your emotional trauma, as well as any medical expenses or lost wages associated with the abuse.
Call (888) 204-8440 for a free and confidential consultation with our sexual assault victim lawyers.