Police Chief Comments on Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Priest

North Reading Police Chief Michael Murphy released a statement on Monday afternoon following the allegations of sexual abuse of a minor involving a North Reading priest.

Father Thomas M. Gillespie, who is pastor St. Theresa’s Parish, has been placed on administrative leave after an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor, which dates back to the late-1970s.

Here is the statement from the chief:

“The North Reading Police Department has been made aware that Father Thomas M. Gillespie, pastor of St. Theresa’s Parish, has been placed on administrative leave after the Archdiocese of Boston received an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor. The alleged reported abuse dates back to the late-1970s and did not occur in North Reading. While we have not received any information or any reports that indicate that the alleged abuse involved North Reading families, this is something that we take very seriously. The Police Department has been in contact with the Archdiocese of Boston regarding this matter.”