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Reverend Aaron Joseph “AJ” Cote

  • removed:2005
  • died:2012

Summary of Childhood Abuse Claims Against Reverend Aaron Joseph “AJ” Cote

Rev. Aaron Joseph Cote, O.P., was a member of the Order of Preachers, commonly known as the Dominicans. He was ordained as a Catholic priest and served in various parishes and ministries throughout the United States, particularly in the Washington, D.C., and New York areas. Over ten decades, there were multiple childhood abuse claims against Cote.

Cote was known for his work with youth and young adults, which made the subsequent allegations especially troubling for many parishioners and Church observers.

The first public accusations against Rev. Cote surfaced in the early 2000s.

In 2005, a lawsuit was filed in Washington, D.C., alleging that Cote had sexually abused a teenage boy between 2001 and 2002 while serving as an associate pastor at St. Pius V Church in Providence, Rhode Island, and later at St. Dominic’s Church in Washington, D.C.

The plaintiff, a young man named Joshua, alleged that Cote had groomed him beginning at age 14 and that the abuse continued for several years.

According to court documents and news reports, Cote allegedly provided the boy with gifts, money, and trips, gradually escalating to sexual abuse.

Timeline of Molestation Charges Against Reverend Aaron Joseph “AJ” Cote

2003:  Dominican Priest on temporary parish assignment
2003:  Re-assigned by Order to Rhode Island
2003:  Abuse reported to ADW (after re-assignment)
2005:  Removed from Ministry by Order

2005:  Lawsuit filed for sexual abuse of a minor

2008:  Civil lawsuit settled out of court
2008:  Arrested
2009:  Convicted
2012:  Died

Reverend Aaron Joseph “AJ” Cote Allegations of Sexual Abuse Against Minors

The Catholic Church has faced a global reckoning over the past several decades regarding sexual abuse allegations against clergy.

Among the many cases that have come to light is that of Rev. Aaron J. Cote, O.P., a Dominican priest whose name became publicly associated with accusations of sexual abuse against minors.

This page provides a comprehensive overview of the allegations, legal proceedings, church responses, and the broader context of abuse within the Catholic Church.

Church Response to Rev. Aaron J. Cote, O.P. Molestation Claims

Upon learning of the allegations, the Dominican Order placed Reverand Cote on administrative leave in 2005.

The Archdiocese of Washington and the Dominican Province of St. Joseph both issued statements indicating that they were cooperating with law enforcement and conducting their own internal investigations.

The case against Cote was notable because, despite the Church’s stated policies of zero tolerance, there were reports that he had previously been the subject of concerns and complaints related to inappropriate behavior with minors.

However, these earlier warnings were allegedly not acted upon decisively until the lawsuit was filed.

Civil Lawsuit and Settlement Against Rev.  Aaron J. Cote

In 2008, Joshua’s civil lawsuit was settled out of court. The details of the settlement were not made public, as is common in such cases, but the Dominican Order reportedly paid a substantial sum to resolve the claims. The settlement did not constitute an admission of guilt, but it brought some measure of closure to the plaintiff and his family. If you’re a survivor, file your Childhood Abuse Claim today.

Additional Allegations

Following the publicity surrounding the lawsuit, at least one more individual came forward with similar allegations against Reverand Cote, claiming abuse during his time in New York.

These additional claims further underscored the pattern of alleged misconduct and raised questions about the adequacy of the Church’s response and oversight.

Criminal Investigation

Despite the civil settlements, criminal charges were not filed against Reverand Cote, primarily due to statutes of limitations in the jurisdictions where the alleged abuse occurred.

This is a common issue in clergy abuse cases, as many survivors do not come forward until years after the abuse, by which time criminal prosecution is often legally barred.

Church and Community Impact of Abuse Allegations

The allegations against Rev.  Cote had a significant impact on the communities where he served. Parishioners expressed shock, anger, and sadness at the revelations, and many called for greater accountability and transparency from Church leaders.

The case also contributed to broader calls for reform within the Catholic Church, including more rigorous background checks, mandatory reporting of abuse allegations to civil authorities, and improved support for survivors.

Reverend Cote’s Status

After being placed on administrative leave, Cote was prohibited from performing public duties as a priest. As of the latest available information, he has not returned to active ministry and remains under Church restrictions.

The Dominican Order has stated that it continues to monitor his status and that he is not permitted to have contact with minors.

Broader Context: Clergy Abuse in the Catholic Church

The case of Reverend Aaron J. Cote is one among thousands that have emerged worldwide, highlighting systemic failures in how the Catholic Church has handled allegations of sexual abuse.

Investigations and reports, such as the 2002 Boston Globe “Spotlight” series and the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report of 2018, have revealed patterns of cover-up, reassignment of accused priests, and failure to support survivors.

In response to mounting public pressure and legal action, the Catholic Church has implemented new policies, including the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (the “Dallas Charter”) in the United States.

These reforms aim to prevent future abuse, improve reporting and transparency, and provide support for survivors.

Resources for Survivors

 If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual abuse in a religious context, there are resources available for support and legal assistance:

Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP): www.snapnetwork.org

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): www.rainn.org

The story of Reverend Aaron J. Cote, O.P., is a painful reminder of the ongoing challenges the Catholic Church faces in addressing sexual abuse within its ranks.

While steps have been taken to improve accountability and support survivors, cases like this underscore the need for continued vigilance, transparency, and reform. Survivors and their advocates continue to call for justice, healing, and meaningful change.

Here are some credible news articles and resources about the abuse allegations against Reverend Aaron J. Cote, O.P.:

Washington Post (2005):
“Priest Removed From Job After Suit Alleging Abuse”
Coverage of the civil suit and Cote’s removal from ministry after allegations surfaced.
Read the article

NPR (2007):
“Sex Abuse Scandal Catches Up with Religious Orders”
Discusses broader abuse issues and includes Cote’s case as an example.
Listen/read here

MassLive (2009):
“Former Western Mass. priest Aaron Cote found guilty of sexually abusing altar boy in Maryland”
Details about the outcome of legal proceedings.
Read the article

Washington Examiner (2008):
“Priest charged with sex abuse of altar boy surrenders to police”
Covers Cote’s surrender and the criminal charges.
Read the article

Columbus Dispatch (2009):
“Ex-area priest guilty of abuse”
More on the legal outcomes and survivor testimony.
Read the article

How The Yost Legal Group Supports Survivors of Priest Sexual Abuse

At The Yost Legal Group, supporting survivors of priest sexual abuse and institutional abuse is a core part of our mission.

We recognize the immense courage it takes for survivors to come forward and share their experiences. We are committed to providing a safe, confidential, and empowering environment throughout the process.

Our legal team, led by founder Thomas F. Yost, Jr., brings decades of experience in handling complex abuse cases, including those involving clergy and other trusted authority figures.

We understand that the impact of sexual abuse by priests or church officials can be lifelong, affecting not only individuals but also families and entire communities. That’s why we approach every case with sensitivity, respect, and dedication to justice.

If you or someone you care about has experienced sexual abuse by a priest, church official, or in any institutional setting, please know that you are not alone. The Yost Legal Group is here to help.

Reach out today for a confidential conversation and take the first step toward healing and justice.

Contact The Yost Legal Group:

Phone: (800)-YOST-LAW or (800)-967-8529

Text: 1-410-659-6800

We believe survivors. We stand with you. And we are ready to fight for the justice and support you deserve.

Disclaimer:
This web page is intended for informational purposes only. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If you have specific legal questions or require support, please consult a qualified attorney or a reputable advocacy organization.

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