Former Archbishop Williams Chaplain Suspended on Abuse Charge

By Bob Aicardi
Wicked Local Braintree
February 15, 2012

www.wickedlocal.com/braintree/news/x1341781492/Former-Archbishop-Williams-chaplain-suspended-on-abuse-charge

Braintree — The Rev. James E. Braley, chaplain at Archbishop Williams High School in Braintree from 1981 to 1986 and pastor of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Parish in Plymouth since 2001, has been placed on administrative leave as a result of an allegation of sexual abuse of a child.

In its Feb. 12 statement announcing the suspension, the Archdiocese of Boston said the claim concerns conduct alleged to have occurred in the early 1980s.

"The Archdiocese immediately notified law enforcement of the allegation and has initiated a preliminary investigation into the complaint," the statement declared. "Father Braley will remain on administrative leave pending the outcome of the preliminary investigation. The decision to place Father Braley on administrative leave represents the Archdiocese's commitment to the welfare of all parties and does not represent a determination of his guilt or innocence as it pertains to the investigation. The Archdiocese will work to resolve this case as expeditiously as possible and in a manner that is fair to all parties."

Braley, through his lawyer, adamantly denied any wrongdoing and maintained his innocence. "Obviously he's upset by these allegations," Quincy attorney William Sullivan said. "He just is solid and strong that he did not do anything inappropriate."

Archbishop Williams President Carmen Mariano and Principal Mary Louise Sadowski stated that they were informed about the allegations against Braley and pointed out that he was on the staff more than 25 years ago.

"Since none of our current students were born when Father Braley worked at Williams, certainly no issue of misconduct could have affected them," they stated. "Still, the well-being of our students is our highest priority and we have many protective processes in place to ensure their safety."

Mariano and Sadowski stated they have not been told that the allegation relates to a former Williams student.

"Still, should the allegation be found to be true, our focus will be directed toward alumni who were students during Father Braley's tenure," they stated. "We are in the process of creating a program of outreach that would serve those alumni. We at Williams are saddened by the nature of this allegation and proud of the level of safety and protection that we afford our students today. No school could value its students and their well-being more than our school does."