WORCESTER, Mass. — The man in charge of a well-known food program in the Worcester Diocese has been placed on leave.
In a statement, the diocese says “St. John Parish in Worcester has placed William Riley on administrative leave as the director of the St. John Food for the Poor Program pending the outcome of an investigation of claims of illegal activity involving adults.”
Riley was placed on leave on Friday, March 11 after a complaint was received by Judith Audette, LICSW, the Victim’s Assistance Coordinator for the Diocese of Worcester.
“Given the seriousness of the allegations, the Bishop authorized hiring an independent third-party investigator by the diocese for a thorough investigation of this complaint,” according to the diocese statement.
The St. John’s Food for the Poor Program is a nonprofit charitable organization that serves up to 700 hot meals a day, five days a week.
“The Diocese of Worcester takes any allegations of wrongdoing on the part of ordained and lay employees and volunteers seriously,” said the diocese. “Mrs. Audette recommended to the person making the allegation that the person also report it to civil authorities. Meanwhile, if any illegal actions are identified by the independent investigators, they will be immediately reported to the Worcester Police Department.”
The diocese did not release any other details about the allegation.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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