Monsignor Louis Dunn Sex Abuse Lawsuit

Monsignor Louis Dunn was a Rhode Island priest who held over a dozen positions in the Diocese of Providence. He faced at least five allegations of sexual assault by women and girls, and was convicted of rape in one case. If you were abused by Louis Dunn, Helping Survivors can connect you with an attorney to learn more about your options.

Home » Clergy Sexual Abuse » Rhode Island Clergy Sex Abuse Lawsuit » Monsignor Louis Dunn Sex Abuse Lawsuit

Key Takeaways

Monsignor Louis Ward Dunn served in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, Rhode Island, and was accused of sexually assaulting at least five women and girls before his death in 2001.
Rhode Island’s new child sexual abuse revival window allows victims of abuse to file lawsuits against the responsible parties until July 2028, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.
Survivors of sexual abuse by Rhode Island clergy members, including Monsignor Louis Dunn, have legal options for holding the institutions that enabled and covered up the abuse accountable.

From 1947 through 1997, Monsignor Louis Dunn held 14 placements with the church, including multiple leadership positions in the Diocese of Providence. In a 2026 report, the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office listed Dunn’s name among the credibly accused clergy members in the Diocese of Providence.

Dunn’s conviction for a 1982 sexual assault was the first rape conviction of a priest in Rhode Island.

Allegations of Sexual Abuse Against Monsignor Louis Dunn

Monsignor Louis Dunn was accused of sexually assaulting at least five girls and young women during his time with the Diocese of Providence. He had a pattern of pursuing relationships with vulnerable young women—some under 18 and some in their early 20s. He allegedly used his authority as a priest to manipulate them into drinking or using drugs before he sexually assaulted them.

One victim of abuse by Dunn sued the diocese and its hierarchy, rejecting a $400,000 settlement offer. The suit alleged that diocesan leaders ignored many reports of sexual misconduct by priests and swept them under the rug, transferring offenders from church to church to avoid consequences. That suit was eventually dismissed as time-barred by the statute of limitations in place at the time.

Timeline of Monsignor Louis Dunn’s Abuse

1947: Monsignor Louis Ward Dunn was ordained in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence.

1967: A man complained to the Diocese about Dunn’s behavior toward girls and women at Christ the King Parish in South Kingston, alleging Dunn had assaulted his daughter. Dunn was then transferred to another parish, where his behavior continued.

1982: Dunn sexually assaulted a teenage girl, later sparking a criminal trial and conviction.

1994: Dunn was placed on leave after a woman reported sexual misconduct by him when she was a minor. The woman filed a lawsuit in 1995.

1997: Dunn was criminally tried for two separate rape allegations and convicted of one involving the 1982 sexual assault. He received a ten-year suspended sentence, but the Diocese did not laicize him despite his conviction.

2001: Dunn died in a diocesan nursing home.

2002: 38 victims of abuse by multiple Diocese of Providence clergy members joined a $13.5 million global settlement to resolve their claims, including several involving abuse by Dunn.

Last Date Modified

August 21, 2026

Table of Contents

Meet Our Trusted Legal Partners

For over 50 years, Milberg has held powerful defendants accountable — let us fight for you.

Do I Have A Case?

Even though Monsignor Louis Dunn has been dead for over two decades, victims of sexual abuse by the priest, especially as minors, may still have options for holding the Diocese of Providence accountable for covering up and enabling abuse. This is true no matter how long ago the abuse occurred, as Rhode Island’s current revival window for child sexual abuse claims gives survivors of abuse at any time until July 2028 to file a lawsuit.

If Monsignor Louis Ward Dunn sexually abused you or a loved one, no matter how long ago it occurred, you may have options for taking legal action to hold the Diocese accountable. Contact Helping Survivors to speak with an attorney about the circumstances of your case.

Rights of Survivors in Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases in Rhode Island

Survivors of Rhode Island clergy abuse can report the abuse to law enforcement, report to the Diocese of Providence, and potentially file a civil lawsuit against the Diocese for failing to protect them from abusive clergy members.

Report to Law Enforcement & State Oversight Agencies

Though reporting sexual abuse to law enforcement isn’t a requirement to file a civil lawsuit, it can create a paper trail that may be useful for the civil case. Criminal charges can no longer be pursued against Louis Dunn due to his death in 2001.

Rhode Island State Police Special Victims Unit dedicated clergy abuse hotline: (401) 764-0142
Rhode Island Child Protective Services’ Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 1-800-742-4453 (1-800-RI-CHILD)
The Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office: (401) 274-4400

Report to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence

Victims of Catholic priest sexual abuse in Rhode Island can report it to the Diocese of Providence’s Office of Compliance or the Victim Assistance Coordinator.

Office of Compliance: Contact Co-Director Kevin O’Brien at (401) 941-0760 or email kobrien@dpvd.org.
Victim Assistance Coordinator: Contact Dr. Michael Hansen, the Director of the Office of Outreach and Prevention, at (401) 946-0728 or email mhansen@dpvd.org.

File a Civil Lawsuit Against the Diocese

Survivors of sexual abuse by Monsignor Louis Dunn may be eligible to file a civil lawsuit against the Diocese of Providence or the individual parish where the abuse occurred for failing to protect them.

In June 2026, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee signed legislation expanding the state’s statute of limitations rules for childhood sexual abuse claims and implementing a two-year revival window that remains open through June 30, 2028. During that period, eligible victims can bring civil lawsuits against individuals, institutions, organizations, or other parties connected to alleged childhood sexual abuse.

Dozens of survivors have already filed lawsuits for abuse they experienced as children, often by clergy members.

Contact Helping Survivors today to get connected with our legal partners for a free case evaluation.

Experience That Delivers Results

Over $50 Billion Recovered

Milberg has recovered more than $50 billion clients over nearly 60 years, holding institutions accountable across complex, high-stakes cases. That track record of institutional accountability now extends to survivors of sexual abuse in detention centers, prisons, healthcare settings, and other facilities.

Institutional Abuse Specialists

Milberg’s Sexual Abuse Practice Group, led by Senior Partner Marc Grossman (30+ years experience, Lawdragon 500 recognized) brings expertise in facility-based abuse, systemic failures, and corporate neglect.

Trial-Ready Attorneys

Milberg’s attorneys aren’t afraid to take cases to trial. While many firms settle early, Milberg’s team of experienced trial lawyers is prepared to pursue your claim all the way through litigation if a fair settlement isn’t reached.

Comprehensive Resource Access

Milberg maintains coast-to-coast offices, partnerships with access to expert investigators, medical professionals, and specialized consultants—all committed to building the strongest possible case for you.

Contingency Representation

You never pay out of pocket. We work entirely on a contingency basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we recover compensation. Your financial burden never stands between you and justice.

Want To Speak With A Lawyer?

Understand your legal rights and options as a survivor of sexual assault or abuse.