Cranston YMCA employee fired for letting sex offender on grounds
by: Shaun Towne
CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI) — The YMCA of Greater Providence (GPYMCA) fired an employee earlier this month after learning she allowed a registered sex offender on the premises.
The former employee worked for the aquatics program at the Cranston branch and the sex offender is that person’s fiancé, GPYMCA CEO Karen Santilli told 12 News on Thursday.
The sex offender has been identified as Paul Joseph Hache of Woonsocket.
There’s no indication that Hache had any interactions with YMCA members or children, according to Santilli. She noted that his presence was first reported in December 2023, a few months before Santilli became CEO.
Santilli said she met with parents involved with the aquatics program shortly after learning about the former employee’s actions.
“Our members’ safety will always be our top priority, and that’s especially true for our children,” Santilli said in a statement. “Our members rightly expect every branch and every branch employee to share a commitment that maintains safe, secure, and accessible facilities and programs. I am deeply concerned and horrified that a former employee violated our members’ trust.”
In addition to firing the employee, Santilli said GPYMCA got a restraining order against Hache. She also directed GPYMCA leadership to review the organization’s safety and security protocols and make sure all employees are fully trained.
Cranston police told 12 News they investigated the case alongside the YMCA, however, no arrests were made. Police said their report was submitted to the probation department to see if Hache violated the terms of his release.
We’re working to gather more information on this story. Check back for updates.