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The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office filed child sex crime charges against Father David J. Marcotte, a priest for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.
Fr. Marcotte, 32, was suspended from ministry in February after initial reports of sexual abuse involving a minor in 2016.
According to online court records, Marcotte has been charged with the following:
- Child solicitation
- Vicarious sexual gratification, victim(s) under 16, but older than 13
- Dissemination of matter harmful to minors
The charges, all of which are felonies, were filed on Thursday.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Fr. Marcotte was serving as a priest at St. Malachy Catholic School in Brownsburg at the time the alleged crimes were committed.
The probable cause affidavit states Fr. Marcotte connected with the victim on social media in December 2016. Marcotte later sent the victim inappropriate photos. Court documents show Marcotte also engaged in sexually inappropriate behavior with the victim during a video phone conversation.
Fr. Marcotte was ordained in June 2014. He was most recently serving as a chaplain at Roncalli High School before his suspension.
Graphic provided by WISH-TV
Before serving as a chaplain at Roncalli, Fr. Marcotte spent time in various ministry roles at SS. Francis and Clare Parish in Greenwood, St. Malachy Parish in Brownsburg and St. Martin of Tours Parish in Martinsville.
The Archdiocese of Indianapolis sent the following statement:
“The Archdiocese of Indianapolis learned today that charges related to the sexual abuse of a minor have been filed in Hamilton County, Indiana against Fr. David J. Marcotte, a priest for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.
“Fr. Marcotte was suspended from ministry on February 12, 2019 after a report of sexual abuse involving a minor was received by the archdiocese’s victim assistance coordinator. The Archdiocese immediately made a report to civil authorities and notified the chair of the Archdiocesan Review Board of the allegation.
“The Archdiocese has cooperated with law enforcement throughout its investigation. Fr. Marcotte has been prohibited from all public ministry while the investigation and legal process is ongoing.
“Fr. Marcotte was ordained on June 7, 2014. The complete list of his ministry assignments are as follows: 2014, associate pastor, SS. Francis and Clare Parish, Greenwood, and Catholic chaplain, University of Indianapolis; 2015, associate pastor, St. Malachy Parish, Brownsburg; 2016, administrator, St. Martin of Tours Parish, Martinsville; 2017, chaplain, Roncalli High School, Indianapolis, Catholic chaplain, University of Indianapolis, and sacramental assistance, SS. Francis and Clare Parish, Greenwood.
“The Archdiocese of Indianapolis is committed to protecting children and vulnerable adults from sexual abuse and misconduct. If you are a victim of sexual abuse or misconduct by a person ministering on behalf of the Church, or if you know of anyone who has been a victim, please “contact civil authorities and the Archdiocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator Carla Hill at 317-236-1548 or 800-382-9836, ext. 1548 or email her at carlahill@archindy.org.
“Confidential reports can also be made on-line at archdioceseofindianapolis.ethicspoint.com or by calling 888-393-6810.
“Let us hold all victims of sexual abuse and misconduct and their families in prayer.”