An 81-year-old former Catholic priest has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a middle school student at Gilman School in Baltimore nearly 50 years ago, according to Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown.
Laurence LaPointe of Putnam, Connecticut, pleaded guilty on Wednesday, November 4, to one count of fourth-degree sex offense and one count of common-law assault in Baltimore City Circuit Court.
Judge Charles H. Dorsey III sentenced LaPointe to three years of incarceration, all suspended, and five years of supervised probation. As part of his probation, LaPointe is prohibited from having direct contact with minors, working or volunteering in educational settings involving children, or contacting the victim. He must also undergo a psychosexual evaluation and follow any recommended treatment.
According to facts presented in court, LaPointe was a Catholic priest in the Diocese of Norwich who was temporarily assigned to Gilman School as a chaplain and religion teacher during the mid-1970s.
In approximately 1976 or 1977, LaPointe invited a middle school student to his on-campus apartment above the gymnasium to play chess. During the visit, LaPointe convinced the student to play a game of strip chess and sexually assaulted him. LaPointe, who was in his early 30s at the time, told the student not to tell anyone about what happened.
The victim attended Wednesday’s hearing and delivered a victim impact statement explaining his decision to come forward after nearly five decades. “My desire for privacy could no longer outweigh my desire to see him held accountable,” the victim said.
Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said the effects of childhood sexual abuse can continue long into adulthood and emphasized the importance of holding offenders accountable regardless of how much time has passed. The case was investigated by the Maryland Office of the Attorney General and prosecuted by its
