HAMILTON COUNTY — An Indianapolis Catholic priest suspended amid allegations of sexual abuse involving a minor on Tuesday agreed to plead guilty to one charge filed against him.
According to the Hamilton Superior Court plea agreement, Fr. David Marcotte, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of dissemination of matter harmful to minors, a level 6 felony.
The State motioned to dismiss two charges he faced — child solicitation and vicarious sexual gratification, according to the agreement.
The Archdiocese of Indianapolis suspended Marcotte from ministry in February 2019 after its victim assistance coordinator learned of the abuse allegations. The Archdiocese alerted authorities and notified the chair of the Archdiocesan Review Board about the allegation.
According to court documents, Marcotte allegedly sent inappropriate pictures to the juvenile victim and engaged in sexual conduct via various social media platforms, including apparent attempts to recruit others to participate.
The alleged abuse took place in 2016.
Marcotte was ordained in June 2014 and had served in a number of assignments since then. He had served at SS Francis and Clare Parish, Greenwood, the University of Indianapolis, St. Malachy Parish, Brownsburg, St. Martin of Tours Parish in Martinsville, Roncalli High School in Indianapolis. He has also had second stints at UIndy and SS Francis and Clare Parish.
Marcotte is scheduled to be sentenced at 9:30 a.m. April 7.
-
Judge pauses Trump plans to end temporary legal protections for Venezuelans
A federal judge on Monday paused plans by the Trump administration to end temporary legal protections for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans, a week before they were scheduled to expire.
Trump signs executive order targeting steep concert ticket prices
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday meant to address ticket scalping and entertainment event prices.
What to expect as new tariffs take effect this week
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump says reciprocal tariffs are on the table for all countries. And on Thursday, 25 percent tariffs on foreign-made cars and auto parts are set to kick in.
Bill that allows school board candidates to declare party affiliation advances
Senate Bill 287 requires candidates to take one of three actions: declare a political party affiliation, state that they are an independent candidate, or choose not to disclose any affiliation.
