Report Names 3 Bedford Ex-Priests Accused Of Sexual Assault

BEDFORD, NH — The Diocese of Manchester has released a comprehensive list of priests who have been accused of sexually assaulting minors since 1950. The list, which aims to improve the accountability of the Roman Catholic Church, includes three priests who have served at Saint Elizabeth Seton in Bedford over the past several decades.

The following Bedford priests are on the list, released by the Diocese of Manchester Wednesday. The list below names the date that the accused priest was assigned to the Saint Elizabeth Seton Church, along with his status. Those who were "sentenced to a life of prayer and penance" are permanently banned from all forms of public ministry and may not wear clerical attire or publicly identify as priests. Others have been accused of sexually assaulting a minor after the priest has already died, in which case their case has not been concluded.

• Richard Lower, assigned to Saint Elizabeth Seton on Nov. 3, 1982 — Accused after death, proceedings have not been completed. In 2002, a 44-year-old man reported being sexually assaulted by Lower at 15 years old. The assault reportedly occurred in Littleton in July 1973. At that time, Lower was an active priest in New London. In December 2002, Lower committed suicide, according to reports.
• Alfred Jannetta, assigned in 1991 — assigned to a "life of prayer and penance"
• Andrew Meehan, assigned June 21, 2000 — Assigned to a "life of prayer and penance"