Archdiocese clears priest in sexual abuse probe, reinstates him

Associated Press/December 19, 2006

Boston -- The Archdiocese of Boston reinstated a Waltham priest yesterday after an investigation found no evidence to support a single allegation that he sexually abused a minor about 20 years ago.

The Rev. Roger N. Jacques, former pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Waltham, was placed on administrative leave in October 2002 pending an archdiocese review of the complaint.

"The allegation was found to be unsubstantiated and the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has confirmed this finding," according to a statement from the archdiocese.

The findings were immediately communicated to Jacques, who has been reinstated as a priest in good standing, archdiocese spokeswoman Kelly Lynch said. He remains unassigned.

Jacques was among 58 Boston-area priests who signed a letter questioning the credibility of Cardinal Bernard F. Law and asking him to resign after a string of priests were accused of sexually abusing minors.