Please call us for help 
New York Sexual Assault Legislation
In 2002, the Boston Globe exposed a national epidemic of clergy abuse in the Roman Catholic Church. In 2018, a Pennsylvania grand jury report identified 1,000 victims of approximately 300 abusive clergy members. These two events were catalysts for legislative change in many states. New York was one of these states.
New York Child Victims Act (CVA)
In February 2019, New York lawmakers signed the Child Victims Act (CVA) into law. This act expands legal protections for victims of sexual assault. It does this in three significant ways:
- The CVA extends the legal deadline to file criminal and civil charges against a sexual abuser.
- The CVA created a “look back” window during which any victim can file a civil claim against his or her abuser. A victim can file a claim regardless of his or her age at the time of abuse.
- The CVA allows victims to file a lawsuit without filing a notice of claim for sexual offenses committed against a minor.
Update: Because of COVID-19 restrictions in New York State, state courts closed for all non-essential cases for several months. This court closure hindered the legal rights of abuse survivors.
In-process cases were postponed. Additionally, victims looking to file new cases during the CVA’s “look back“ window were not able to file new lawsuits during the COVID-19 shutdowns.
These barriers to litigation have been removed for victims of abuse in New York State. On August 3, 2020, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill to extend the “look back” window for an entire year. Victims now have until August 14, 2021 to file claims under the CVA.
New York Priest Abuse Lawsuits
It can take years for a survivor of child sexual abuse to report the crime and seek justice. Some survivors need decades to process the trauma before taking legal action. Often, these survivors lose their right to file a lawsuit because they miss the legal deadline.
When New York opened the one-year “look back” window, victims filed more than 400 lawsuits on the first day. Many of these cases featured decades-old instances of abuse. One diocese facing a large number of clergy abuse lawsuits thanks to the “look back” window is the Buffalo Diocese.
Lawsuits Against the Buffalo Diocese
The Buffalo Diocese — one of eight Catholic dioceses in the state of New York — is facing more than 200 lawsuits. It is currently the most sued diocese under the CVA, despite not being the largest diocese in the state.
The larger number of lawsuits filed against the Buffalo Diocese is due in part to the limited success of the diocese’s compensation program. Other New York Dioceses compensated hundreds of victims prior to the CVA. The compensation program in the Buffalo Diocese settled far fewer cases:
- The Buffalo Diocese paid $17.5 million to approximately 100 victims through the compensation program.
- 17 victims rejected the offered compensation, allegedly because the proposed claim was too low.
- 135 victims were turned away from the program due to ineligibility. The compensation program only accepted claims if the victim complained to the Buffalo Diocese about the abuse before March 1, 2018.
Victims who accepted compensation through these programs give up their right to file a lawsuit against the dioceses in the future. Dioceses across the country used compensation programs to decrease the number of costly lawsuits brought against them.
In November 2020, the New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit against the Diocese of Buffalo. This lawsuit followed a two-year investigation into clergy abuse cover-ups orchestrated by the diocese.
Sources: Buffalo News, The Buffalo Diocese
New York Clergy Abuse Statute of Limitations
The state of New York has two different statutes of limitations for survivors of sexual assault. There is a different statute for filing criminal charges versus a civil claim.
A statute of limitations (SOL) is a legal deadline. SOLs vary based on the jurisdiction, the crime and the intended legal action (criminal charges versus a civil claim).
Criminal Charges and the Child Victims Act
There are two types of criminal charges. Depending on the severity of the crime, sexual abuse may be a felony or a misdemeanor. The CVA adopted two different criminal statutes based on the severity of the crime.
Felony – Felony charges against an abuser can be filed anytime until the victim turns 28 years old. Before the CVA was enacted, criminal felony charges couldn’t be filed after a victim reached 23 years of age.
Misdemeanor – Misdemeanor charges must be filed before the victim reaches the age of 25. Prior to the CVA, misdemeanor charges were only valid until a victim reached 20 years of age.
If a victim reports abuse to law enforcement, state prosecutors may choose to press criminal charges against the abuser.
Civil Claims and the Child Victims Act
Survivors of child sexual assault may file a civil claim anytime until they reach the age of 55. Prior to the CVA, survivors had to file a civil claim before turning 23.
If the abuser (defendant) is found guilty in a criminal case, he or she may face probation or time in prison. The victim (plaintiff) would only receive money if the court requires the defendant to pay restitution to the plaintiff.
If the abuser (defendant) is found liable in a civil case, he or she must pay a monetary award to the victim (plaintiff). The amount of the award is determined by the jury. The award covers any damages caused by the abuse.
New York CVA “Look Back” Window
Apart from extending the legal deadline to file claims, the CVA opened a one-year “look back” window. Anyone in the state of New York who was sexually abused as a child could file a claim during the year. This includes victims with older, expired cases who would otherwise be unable to file a lawsuit, even according to the newer statutes.
The one-year window opened on August 14, 2019. The window was originally scheduled to close on August 13, 2020. However, the window to file was shortened due to court closures caused by COVID-19.
To remedy this, in May, Governor Cuomo announced a five-month extension for the window. Later that month, New York State lawmakers in the Senate and Assembly passed legislation to extend the “look back” window further by a year. Governor Cuomo signed this bill into law on August 3, 2020.
Under the CVA’s new “look back” window, child sexual abuse survivors may file an expired civil lawsuit in New York State courts until August 14, 2021.
This extension does not affect the deadline for victims filing claims against the Rochester Diocese. In September 2019, the Rochester Diocese filed for bankruptcy. This action suspended all sexual abuse lawsuits against the diocese. To receive compensation from the diocese, victims are required to make a claim with the bankruptcy court. Victims were required to file a bankruptcy claim against the Diocese of Rochester by August 13, 2020. This deadline was not extended to match the new “look back” window.
New York Dioceses Settlements & Compensation Programs
In an effort to compensate victims and avoid costly lawsuits, the Catholic Dioceses of New York each created a victim compensation program. According to the Democrat & Chronicle, in just two years, these programs resolved more than 1,260 claims of sexual misconduct across the state of New York. The programs paid more $228 million in compensation to settle victims’ claims.
These programs are no longer taking claims. However, if a victim was abused by a Catholic clergy member in the New York Dioceses, he or she may file a lawsuit under the CVA.
NY Dioceses Compensation Program Details By Diocese
| Diocese | Settlement | Victims |
|---|---|---|
| Albany Diocese | $3,000,000 | 40+ |
| Brooklyn Diocese | $90,000,000 | Unknown |
| Buffalo Diocese | $17,500,000 | 100+ |
| New York Archdiocese | $64,000,000 | 300+ |
| Ogdensburg Diocese | $5,500,000 | 39 |
| Rochester Diocese | Unknown | Unknown |
| Rockville Centre Diocese | Unknown | Unknown |
| Syracuse Diocese | $10,922,500 | 79 |
New York Dioceses Bankruptcies
Currently, four of the eight New York Catholic Dioceses have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to sexual abuse allegations:
- The Diocese of Rochester filed for bankruptcy in September 2019.
- The Diocese of Buffalo filed for bankruptcy in February 2020.
- The Diocese of Syracuse filed for bankruptcy in June 2020.
- The Diocese of Rockville Centre filed for bankruptcy in October 2020.
Chapter 11 bankruptcy is used to protect businesses that are struggling financially. The process evaluates and reorganizes a business’ assets. In doing so, a business can pay off debts while maintaining enough capital to continue functioning properly.
These New York Dioceses are four of more than twenty dioceses or religious orders that have filed for bankruptcy in the United States.
Additionally, the Diocese of Ogdensburg is currently considering filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to a large number of pending abuse lawsuits and budgetary issues.
2021 New York Dioceses’ Bankruptcy Deadlines
In the fall of 2020, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court set the bar dates for the bankruptcies of the Syracuse and Buffalo Dioceses. In January 2021, a judge for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court set the bar date for the Diocese of Rockville Centre. A bar date in a bankruptcy proceeding is the deadline for creditors (victims) to file a claim with the court.
Syracuse Diocese Bar Date: April 15, 2021
Buffalo Diocese Bar Date: August 14, 2021*
Rockville Centre Diocese Bar Date: August 14, 2021*
*This date intentionally coincides with the filing end date of the Child Victims Act.
List of Priests Accused of Abuse in NY
This list includes the names of clergy members and New York priests accused of abuse. It does not include staff members, volunteers or congregation members accused of abuse in the New York Dioceses.
If you do not see the name you’re looking for, it does not mean you can’t file a claim against your abuser. This list will expand as more cases of abuse are discovered. If you believe the catholic priest you are searching for may have abuse allegations against him in another state, use our nationwide searchable database of accused clergy members.
If you or a loved one has been abused by a catholic priest or clergy member in the state of New York, contact us now about your legal rights. We want to hear from you and help you obtain the justice you deserve.
There are 183 accused clergy members from the Archdiocese of New York, NY:
- Adamo, Joseph
- Albino, John C.
- Anne, Sister
- Ansaldi, Joseph
- Baisi, Linda
- Barjacoba, Peter
- Barry, Edward
- Bazalar, Juan
- Betances-Torres, Martin
- Bisaillon, Joseph Giles
- Bokulich, Dominic (Br Leopold
- Boschetto, Laurence
- Boxelaar, George
- Boyle, Francis V.
- Brady, John Joseph
- Brady, Timothy
- Brennan, Robert J.
- Bucci, Louis Anthony
- Byrne, Harry J.
- Calabrese, Daniel A.
- Carbo, Richard
- Carden, Robert
- Carr, Cornelius J.
- Carroll, Maurice
- Carson, David L.
- Carson, John F.
- Cassiero, Daniel
- Cavalconte, Charles
- Clark, Joseph M.
- Clyne, Vincent
- Coen, Charles P.
- Colleran, Kevin
- Connolly, Eugene
- Coppinger, John W.
- Croston, Daniel
- Cullen, Bernard
- Cunningham, Thomas
- D'Argenio, Herbert
- Dickson, Donald
- Dobransky, Edward
- Donovan, John J./Br Ronald
- Dougherty, Daniel M.
- Drake, Roy A.
- Duenas, Jaime (James)
- Eremito, Anthony Joseph
- Fajardo, Ricardo
- Fennessy, Keith
- Fitzgerald, Joseph
- Flaherty, John
- Flanagan, Edward
- Flanagan, John D.
- Fox, Vincent
- Fusco, Albin D.
- Gaffney, Thomas J.
- Gallagher, Kevin
- Gallant, Alfred F.
- Gallant, John P.
- Galligan, Damian
- Gentile, Gennaro/Jerry
- Gerathy, Kenneth
- Gibbons, Thomas
- Giuliano, Anthony J.
- Golden, Matthew
- Gordon, Lawrence
- Gorman, Richard
- Greene, William T.
- Harrington, John M.
- Harris, Wallace A.
- Harrison, Robert
- Haverty, John
- Heide, Herman
- Hennessy, Paul Kevin
- Herlihy, Joseph Reginald
- Hickey, Joseph W.
- Hicks, Eugene
- Horan, Walter Hubert Maria
- Hyland, Raymond A.
- Inzeo, Lawrence C.
- Jeffers, Robert A.
- Jenik, John Joseph
- Jesselli, Kenneth A.
- Jones, Carleton Parker
- Kavanagh, Charles M.
- Kelly, Kevin
- Kelly, Stephen
- Kelly, Timothy
- Kennington, Jack
- Kiarie, Peter
- Kihm, Peter J.
- Kilkenny, Louis-Bertrand
- Kreiser, Thomas L.
- Kuhl, Morgan J.
- LaBelle, Ralph W.
- LeBar, James J.
- Lennon, John W.
- Leone, Arthur T.
- Liguori (Ligouri), James A.
- Logue, Francis
- Lott, Robert V.
- Luciano, William J.
- Lynch, Bernard
- Lynch, John J.
- Maffei, Joseph
- Malone, Donald T.
- Mangan, Eugene
- Manzione, Arthur
- Marino, Umberto
- Martin, Patrick H.
- Mary Andrew, Sister
- Mathews, Stanley
- Mazza, Albert J.
- McCarrick (Cardinal), Theodore
- McCarthy, James F.
- McCarthy, John Joseph
- McCormick, Richard J.
- McDonagh, Charles
- McGirr, Charles
- McGovern, Robert B.
- McGuiness, Joseph Ignatius
- McLucas, James
- McNeill, Lawrence
- McSherry, Thomas Philip
- Meehan, John T.
- Melican, Mortimer
- Mills, Henry
- Murphy, Arthur E.
- Netter, Edmund W.
- Nohilly, Thomas
- Nowak, Randolph
- O'Brien, Edward J.
- O'Brien, Eugene J
- O'Brien, John Francis
- O'Brien, William B.
- O'Connell, Kenneth F.
- O'Connor, John Justin
- O'Herlihy, Michael D.
- O'Keefe, John
- Paddack, John N.
- Parrakow, Edmond A.
- Parsons, Harold
- Pfieffer, James
- Phillips, Thomas
- Pintado Herrera, Jorge Patricio
- Pipala, Edward A.
- Pliauplis, Christopher
- Post, Robert
- Quigley, Dominic
- Quigley, Patrick W.
- Quinn, Lawrence J.
- Quinn, Lawrence T.
- Raimondo, Michael
- Reinheimer, George E.
- Rios, Louis J. (Luis)
- Ritter, Bruce
- Rodriguez, Esteban
- Rodriguez, Ruben
- Rooney, Sean Leo
- Roos, Edward M.
- Rosemarie, Sister
- Ryan, Joseph
- Sardy, John
- Scheneman, Alan
- Shine, Raymond
- Stinner, Francis
- Sullivan, Daniel J.L.
- Sullivan, Paul V.
- Taglienti, Vincent
- Tamburrino, James
- Taylor, Samuel
- Theisen (Thiesen), Joseph L.
- Timone, Donald G.
- Tos, Aldo J.
- Vasquez-Erazo, Jorge Luis
- Walsh, James
- Weber, Edward J.
- Weckbach, Joseph
- Welby, James
- Whelan (Whalen), Donald J.
- White, James E.
- White, William T.
- Wilkinson, John V,
- Williams, William E.
- Wolf, Casper G.
There are 78 accused clergy members from the Diocese of Albany, NY:
- Adams, Anthony
- Benedict Marie, Sister
- Bentley, David G.
- Bertolucci, John Patrick
- Bondi, Paul
- Boucher, Anthony
- Broderick, John W.
- Brown, Douglas
- Casey, Liam
- Cawlings, Neil
- Celeste, Charles R.
- Connolly, John F.
- Cronin, Michael
- Curran, Anthony
- DelVecchio, Albert E.
- Di Pasquale, Ralph
- Dicerbo, Almerico
- DiMaggio, Joseph F.
- Douglas, Louis E.
- Ermlich, Ferdinand
- Estabrook, Joseph W.
- Ethier, Raymond J.
- Fitzpatrick, John F.
- Garcia, Angel
- Genevive, Frank M.
- George, Thomas
- Gilmartin, Thomas R.
- Gilmour, Edward
- Gulley, Anthony David
- Guzielek, Ladislaus
- Haight, Mark
- Hanney, James Vincent
- Hatela, Robert Stephen
- Heim, William J.
- Hubbard (Bp)., Howard J.
- Jones, Richard
- Jupin, Alan D.
- Kampfer, Gerald D.
- Kelly, James E.
- Keyrouze, Joseph
- Kranch, Peter
- LeFevre, Robert J.
- Leroux, Edward N.
- Losee, Regina
- Maher, Daniel J.
- Mancuso, Joseph A.
- Mataconis, Richard (Philip?)
- McDermott, James
- McDevitt, James J.
- McMahon, Sean
- McNerney, James R.
- Mea, John
- Melfe, Francis P.
- Mercure, Gary J.
- Miller, Michael J.
- Miller, Gerard R.
- Minkler, John
- Murphy, Clement Adan
- Nunan, Jeremiah
- O'Connor, John
- Ophals, Donald J.
- Phillips, John
- Pizzutti, Lawrence
- Pratt, Edward C.
- Puello, George
- Purcell, Robert H.
- Rodino, Salvatore (Samuel)
- Romano, Joseph R.
- Rosch, James J.
- Ryan, Francis X.
- Severson, Richard A.
- Shinos, Robert S.
- Slavin, William M.
- Starks, Donald
- Starks, R. Mansfield
- Taylor, James (Michael)
- Urban, Carl A.
- Wilson, Dozia J.
There are 142 accused clergy members from the Diocese of Brooklyn, NY:
- Abrams, John L.
- Acciarito, Anthony
- Agostino, Joseph V.
- Akuzie, Bennet
- Arnaud, Eugene
- Aufiero, Louis
- Authenrieth, William
- Baker, David/Bro. Felix
- Bals, John
- Barto, Mary Juanita
- Bedoya, Hugo
- Brady, Thomas F.
- Brennan, Edward C.
- Brocado, Joseph/Bro. Romanus
- Brocato, Joseph F.(Romanus)
- Burke, Edward
- Burns, William M.
- Butteri, Masseo
- Byrns, Joseph P.
- Cadavid Arroyave, Roberto Antonio
- Callahan, Brian F.X.
- Capellupo, Francis J. (Frank)
- Capillo, John D.
- Capua, Nicholas J.
- Coleman, Christopher Lee
- Collins, James P.
- Congdon, Patrick D/Br Douglas
- Connolly, Eugene A.
- Conroy, Michael C.
- Cortez, Augusto
- Cox, Harold T.
- Cross, John
- Crowley, Lawrence
- Cummings, William
- Dempsey, Michael J.
- Denning, Joseph P. (Bishop)
- Diaz Jimenez, Enrique
- Dougherty, Thomas David
- Dwyer, John R.
- Evans, Francis
- Failla, Anthony J.
- Ferraro, Romano J.
- Ferro, Robert A.
- Finger, William E.
- Frost, James I. J.
- Gallo, Vincent
- Garcia, Otto L.
- Gillen, Francis
- Gillis, Leo/Br Wenceslaus
- Gotimer, James
- Gowdy, James
- Guiry, Robert
- Hagerty, Thomas
- Hassan, Joseph
- Hauser, John
- Houston, William
- Huckemeyer, Edward J.
- Keller, Brian
- Kelly, Thomas F.
- King, Michael
- Klein, Adolph
- Kraus, Charles
- Lahey, Joseph
- Lara, James R./Jaime
- Lewkiewicz, Richard
- Loringhitus, John J.
- Lukianiuk, Andrezj
- Maher, Alphonsus
- Mangini, Charles M.
- Manozzi, Rudolph
- Manzo, Francis J.
- Maurer, Edward L.
- McCloud, Henry J.
- McConnin, Robert J.
- McCue, Webster J.
- McElroy, Herbert J.
- McGlynn, William
- McLoughlin, John
- McLoughlin, John G.
- McMahon, John/Bro Damian
- McNicholas, Edward J.
- Minichello, Arthur
- Morrow, Lewis
- Morrow, Thomas O.
- Mulhall, Francis X.
- Nelson, Francis X.
- O'Brien, James T.
- O'Lone, Francis/Br Remigius
- O'Reilly, Ben
- O'Rourke, Thomas J.
- O'Toole, Patrick Fursey
- Ocloo, Anthony
- Offenheiser, Edward W
- Osborne, Martin
- Otero, Cornelius T. (Neil)
- Padian, John
- Petroski, Ronald P.
- Pinke, Richard
- Placa, Stephen
- Plock, Charles
- Powers, Edward/Bro. Kyrin
- Prochaski, Adam
- Pugliese, Joseph
- Purcell, Arthur D.
- Raveneau, Ricardo
- Reilly, Francis
- Rettino, Wm/Br Vincent DePaul
- Richmond, Howard J./H. Joseph
- Rodriguez, Robert
- Russo, James E.
- Ryan, Barry
- Salamone, Michael J.
- Salerno, Michael
- Schuck, Joseph
- Sexton, Patrick O.
- Sforza, Vincent
- Sheehan, Daniel J.
- Sickler, James G.
- Simonetti, Gennaro
- Smith, James T.
- Smyth, James P.
- Soares, Protasio
- Soister, John
- Stack, George J.
- Stonebridge, John
- Strianese, Frederick
- Sullivan, James E.
- Tahaney, James
- Thompson, John A.
- Titone, Robert A.
- Tugwood, James C.
- Vazhappily, Paul
- Verrengio, Rocco
- Voiland, George
- Walsh, Edward
- Weber, Joseph J.
- Wicks, Kenneth
- Wilders, George
- Wildgruber, Francis
- Yander, Benjamin
- Zatarga, George F.
- Zollo, Vincent A.
There are 116 accused clergy members from the Diocese of Buffalo, NY:
- Aurelio, John R.
- Barkenquest, Lehr J.
- Barszcz, Benedict P.
- Baumgarten, Francis X.
- Becker, Donald W.
- Bernardo, Valerio
- Bialkowski, David W.
- Biesinger, Robert J
- Brzezniak, Aurelian W.
- Burson, James
- Claudia, Sister
- Conlin, Robert P.
- Conroy, J. Peter
- Coppola, Paul R.
- Cotter, James H
- Dewey, Denman
- Dolinic, Louis
- Fafinski, Donald S
- Fagowski, Edwin
- Faraci, Douglas F
- Fimbel, Duane G.
- Fingerle, Fred G
- Freeman, Michael R.
- Friel, Joseph P.
- Friel, Mark M.
- Fronczak, Dennis A.
- Gambino, Joseph
- Gould, James C.
- Green, Gerard Leo
- Gresock, Thomas G
- Haggerty, James Cairnan
- Hajduk, John P
- Harrington, Michael J.
- Hatrick, Brian M.
- Hayes, James P.
- Hendricks, Louis J.
- Hennessy, Linus
- Herberger, Roy
- Higgins, J. Grant
- Hogan, Francis T.
- Holbel, Sylvester J.
- Idziak, Stanley Dominic
- Ingalls, Fred D.
- Ipolito, Pascal D.
- Jasinski, Florian A
- Jasinski, Gerald C.
- Judd, Richard P.
- Julia/Julieta, Sister
- Juran, Michael P.
- Kazmierczak, Edward L.
- Keeling, Paul M.
- Kelley, Timothy J
- Kemp, Thomas L
- Kempczynski, John
- Keppeler, Richard J
- Kocian, Theodore
- Kopczewski, Linus E.
- Kowalewski, Paul J.
- Leising, Frederick D.
- Lewandowski, John D.
- Lewandowski, Michael M.
- Mach, Bernard M (Corky)
- Maguire, Stephen
- Martlock, Loville N.
- Maryanski, Fabian
- Maynard, Rene
- McCarthy, Thomas J
- McKenna, Francis
- Mendola, Patrick J.
- Mierzwa, Ronald
- Mooney, Vincent
- Moss, Robert D.
- Nogaro, Paul M.
- Nowak, Jeffrey L.
- Ormsby, Basil A.
- Orsolits, Norbert F.
- Palys, Daniel J.
- Pavlock, Martin L
- Peter, David J.
- Popadick, Peter J.
- Rappl, Joseph
- Reddy, Leo F.
- Riter, Dennis G.
- Ronald, Roy K.
- Rutter, Luke
- Ryan, John M.
- Sajdak, Ronald
- Sardina, John J.
- Schieder, Joseph E.
- Schuster, Joseph A.
- Sheehan, Gerald P.
- Silverio, Ronald T.
- Slack, Howard B.
- Smith, Arthur J.
- Smyczynski, Gerard A
- Smyka, James
- Snyder, Clatus E.
- Spielman, James A.
- Splawski, Bernard
- Stachewicz, Chester S
- Stanton, William George
- Stolinski, Robert A.
- Strassberger, Harry Richard
- Terese, O.S.F., Pauline
- Tolczyk, Marion P.
- Townsend, C.J.M., Edward
- Tuchols, Franklin J.
- Venne, Samuel J.
- Vogel, Joseph J.
- Walker, Edward J.
- Ward, William G.
- Werth, Charles M.
- White, Gervase
- White, William F J
- Wolski, Mark
- Wood, Robert W
There are 32 accused clergy members from the Diocese of Ogdensburg, NY:
- Ager, Fay W.
- Conti, Joseph
- Degen/Degan, Joseph A.
- Downs, John L.
- Duford, Robert O.
- Fallon, John J.
- Farchette, Ronald J.
- Favreau, Bruce T.
- Franklin, Edward L.
- Gillette, Theodore M.
- Hunt, John
- Kennedy, Edwin A.
- Kennedy, John M.
- LaLonde, Emile G.
- Larche, James M.
- Martin, Roger M.
- McGrath, Gerald
- Menard, Roland V.
- O'Doherty, Liam
- Plante, Albert R.
- Rogers, Thomas W.
- Sharland, Gerald
- Shurtleff, Robert M.
- Skurski, Herbert
- Squires, Thomas
- Stone, Carl
- Tobin, George W.
- Toth, Michael A.
- White, Clark S.
- Wiley, John F.
- Wisniewski, David E.
- Worczak, Paul F.
There are 38 accused clergy members from the Diocese of Rochester, NY:
- Bonin, David L.
- Burr, Thomas W.
- Cason, Albert H.
- Casper, Bernard
- Cloonan, Paul I.
- Corbett, Thomas
- Costello, John M.
- Emo, Eugene G.
- Gaudio, Robert
- Giudice, Anthony
- Gormley, John
- Gramkee, David N.
- Guli, Gerard J.
- Hammond, Robert W.
- Hanna, Austin B. (Gus)
- Heathwood, John Laurence
- Hogan, G. Stuart
- Larrabee, Joseph E.
- Lum, William D.
- Martensen, Carsten P.
- McCarthy, Charles J.
- Nadeau, Janice
- O'Malley, William J.
- O'Neill, Robert F.
- Orlando, Richard J.
- Panepinto, Vincent
- Rogers, Foster P.
- Schnacky, Paul R.
- Sewar, Dennis R.
- Shaw, Dennis J.
- Shaw, Gary P.
- Simon, David P.
- Steger, John J.
- Sundholm, Conrad
- Valenti, Thomas J.
- Vogt, Francis H.
- Volino, Michael
- Winterkorn, Robert J.
There are 80 accused clergy members from the Diocese of Rockville Centre, NY:
- Allen, Peter A.
- Babis, Daniel G.
- Bergin, James J.
- Breslawski, William G.
- Brinker, Brian J.
- Brown, Robert L.
- Burke (Rockville Ctr), William Michael
- Butler, John Robert
- Byrne, Edward J.
- Carroll (in New York), Michael A.
- Charland, Peter
- Chasse, Gerard J. (Jerry)
- Congro, Basil Peter
- Cooper, Damian Lawrence
- Czarniewicz, Gloria
- D'Andrea, Edward R.
- DeVita, Thomas F.
- Ditta, Angelo J.
- Durmann, Joseph
- Duvelsdorf, Peter L.
- Fitzgerald, Matthew
- Fitzpatrick, Joseph F.
- Gregory, Maureen
- Griffin, Gus (August)
- Guglielmone, Robert Eric
- Halpin, John P.
- Hands, Michael R.
- Harvers, Harold
- Hasselbach, Kenneth C.
- Huneke, Robert D.
- Kammerer, Richard
- Karvelis, William R.
- Kozlowski, Joseph
- Logan, William R.
- Magee, Finian (Robert)
- Mahoney, John E.
- Mahoney, William D.
- Massaro, Gabriel
- McComiskey, Joseph C.
- McConaghy, R. Thomas
- McGann, John R. (Bishop)
- McGeever, John J.
- McKeon, Brian A.
- Melton, Edward L.
- Michell, George J.
- Millar, Andrew L.
- Miller, James C.
- Miraglia, Salvatore J.
- Mott, John D.
- Mundy, Joseph T.
- Murphy, Howard
- Murphy, John T.
- Nee, Kenneth T.
- Newman, Louis I.
- O'Farrell, Michael J.
- Parisi, Frank J.
- Paul, Harold Hugh
- Peterson, Steven J.
- Placa, Alan J.
- Priest G, Priest G
- Priest K, Priest K
- Priest L, Priest L
- Priest N, Priest N
- Priest Q, Priest Q
- Priest R, Priest R
- Priest S, Priest S
- Priest U, Priest U
- Ribaudo, Charles A.
- Riordan (Reardon), Brendan P.
- Robinson, Ernest E.
- Saccacio, Robert J.
- Saloy, Thomas G.
- Schaefer, Richard
- Soave, Alfred B.
- Stegmann/Stegman, Raymond V.
- Twomey, Gerald
- Unterstein, Nicholas
- Vollmer, Eugene
- Williams, James C.
- Yacyshyn, Gregory
There are 57 accused clergy members from the Diocese of Syracuse, NY:
- Bayley, Thomas S.
- Birchmeyer, Robert J.
- Bogan, Robert F.
- Bowen, Roger A.
- Brigandi, Paul A.
- Casey, Jr., Daniel W.
- Colosimo, Felix R.
- Crosby, Donald J.
- Donovan, John H.
- Durr, Edmund J.
- Eckermann, Charles H.
- Furfaro, Francis J.
- Gallagher, Luke V.
- Garstka, Bernard A.
- Gorman, Donald L.
- Guyder, Thomas F.
- Harrold, John F.
- Hattala, Ferdinand A.
- Hayes, James C.
- Hebert, Donald J.
- Heizman, Leo J.
- Holihan, Edgar M.
- Humphrey, Edgar P.
- Jutton, David J.
- Keating, Thomas F.
- Kieley, Edward X.
- Kloster, Robert J.
- Lane, C. Vincent
- Litz, Jr., Steven J.
- Lorenz, William A.
- Lugowski, John
- Lynch, William J.
- Madore, Edward C. "Ted"
- Mattice, George F.
- McCarthy, John A.
- Misercola, Chester A.
- Morris, William J.
- Morse, John J. "Jack"
- Neary, Thomas E.
- Ours, Robert A.
- Pace, Joseph A.
- Powell, Thomas M.
- Proud, Albert J.
- Quaid, Edward George
- Quinn, James A.
- Quinn, James F.
- Sammons, Francis L.
- Sewall, H. Charles
- Sinnott, Walter A.
- Slavetskas, Paul J.
- Tracy, Martin J.
- Trane, Thomas
- Wagner, John P.
- Walker, David J.
- Weber, Jerome F.
- Zedar, Thomas J.
- Zeder, John M.
New York Clergy Abuse Victim Resources
There are helpful resources and organizations all across the state of New York for victims of sexual assault. We’ve compiled information about several statewide programs below.
New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NYSCASA)
NYSCASA is a non-profit group of community-based rape crisis programs. The NYSCASA can connect victims of sexual assault with local resources throughout the state of New York. These NYSCASA-sponsored programs offer support and advocacy resources to victims of sexual assault. To find your local rape crisis program, visit our table below:
New York Sexual Violence Programs by County
New York State Department of Health: Sexual Violence Prevention Program
The New York State Department of Health houses the Sexual Violence Prevention Program (SVPP). SVPP focuses its efforts on destigmatizing the issue of sexual violence within the community. Additionally, the program emphasizes prevention tactics with the goal of eliminating sexual violence in communities throughout New York State. You can learn more about SVPP and find additional victim resources here.
New York Priest Sex Abuse News
View All News
Dioceses In New Jersey And New York File For Bankruptcy
Citing the financial impacts of abuse claims and the pandemic, the NY Diocese of Rockville Centre and the Diocese of Camden in NJ filed for bankruptcy in Oct.
Syracuse Diocese Sets Bankruptcy Deadline For Survivors
A deadline was set for victims filing sex abuse claims against the Syracuse Diocese. Victims must file a claim by April 15, 2021, to receive compensation.
New York Clergy Abuse FAQs
How Can I Report New York State Sexual Abuse by a Priest?
If you or the suspected victim are in immediate danger, call the police.
There are several hotlines residents of New York State can use to report cases of abuse:
To report any sexual abuse:
Call the New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline at 1-800-942-6906.
To report sexual abuse on a New York college campus:
Contact the New York State Police by calling the hotline number 1-800-942-6906.
To report sexual abuse in New York City:
Call the hotline 1-800-621-HOPE (4673) or dial 311.
For more information about reporting sexual abuse, visit our resource page >
Reporting Clergy Abuse to the New York Attorney General
The New York Attorney General is currently investigating clergy abuse in the state. A hotline and online complaint form have been set up to help the investigation.
Victims or witnesses of sexual abuse of minors in the state of New York are encouraged to fill out the online complaint form or call the hotline below with information.
Hotline: 1-800-771-7755
All allegations will be reviewed by investigators.
Source: Press Release from the Office of the New York Attorney General
Is There Help for Someone Who Was Sexually Abused by a Priest in NY?
Yes. There are many resources across the state of New York that can help a victim of clergy abuse. Review our list of statewide New York resources above.
Need Support?
Free, Confidential Case Evaluation.
If you or a loved one have suffered from the physical, mental and emotional effects of institutional sex abuse, you’re entitled to legal representation and possible financial compensation.
Receive your response in 24 hours
Meneo Group managing partner: Ron Meneo
Ron Meneo is the managing partner of The Meneo Law Group. With more than 40 years of experience, he represents clients across the country on a variety of complex legal matters, including personal injury due to institutional sexual abuse, unsafe pharmaceutical drugs and other practice areas. He is a recipient of Martindale-Hubbell’s prestigious AV® Preeminent Rating. He has also served as an editor and contributor for several legal journals.
Sources
- 1
Archdiocese of New York Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (“IRCP”) (N.D.) Home.
- 2
Brickley, P., Biswas, S. (2021, January 14). Long Island, N.Y. Diocese Fails to Cut Short Sex-Abuse Claim Deadline. The Wall Street Journal.
- 3
Brooklyn bishop says Catholic Diocese stands with victims of sex abuse. (2019, August 19). Brooklyn Reporter.
- 4
Catholic Diocese of Buffalo. (N.D.) Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program.
- 5
Condon, B., Mustian, J. (2019, December 1). Surge of new abuse claims threatens church like never before. Associated Press.
- 6
Demola, P. (2018, March 5). Diocese of Ogdensburg to compensate abuse victims. The Sun.
- 7
Department of Health. (2020, February). Sexual Violence Prevention Program. New York State.
- 8
Diocese of Brooklyn Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (“IRCP”). (N.D.) Home.
- 9
Diocese of Buffalo pays more than $17.5 million to victims of sex abuse. (2019, May 28). WKBW Buffalo.
- 10
Eisenstadt, M. (2020, June 19). Syracuse Catholic Diocese’s move shifts sex abuse claims against priests to bankruptcy court. Syracuse.com.
- 11
Harris, C. (2020, May 7). New York courts will allow Child Victims Act filings ‘in the next few weeks.’ Times Union.
- 12
Lisa, K. (2020, May 8). State extends window on Child Victims Act. NNY360.
- 13
Lohmann, P. (2018, February 14). Diocese of Syracuse creates program to compensate victims of clergy sexual abuse. Syracuse.com.
- 14
Lyons, B. J. (2018, March 28). Albany diocese urged to form new victim compensation plan. Times Union.
- 15
Mann, B. (2020, February 21). Diocese of Ogdensburg explores option of bankruptcy protection. North Country Public Radio.
- 16
McMahon, J. (2019, May 1). Syracuse Catholic diocese pays $11 million to 79 sex abuse victims. Syracuse.com.
- 17
Mroziak, M. (2020, January 30). Diocese of Buffalo bankruptcy “imminent” according to financial report. WNED PBS.
- 18
New York City Bar. (2019, February). What is the Child Victims Act?
- 19
New York Office of the Attorney General. (2018, September 6). A.G. Underwood Announces Clergy Abuse Hotline – Part Of Investigation Into Sexual Abuse Of Children Within NY Dioceses Of Catholic Church [Press Release].
- 20
New York Office of the Attorney General. (N.D.) Sexual Abuse.
- 21
Orr, S. (2019, May 14). Rochester diocese pulls plug on its sex-abuse victims compensation program. Democrat & Chronicle.
- 22
Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (“IRCP”). (N.D.) Home.
- 23
Schneider, H. R. (2020, October 16). Date to file lawsuits against Syracuse Diocese moved up to April. Observer-Dispatch.
- 24
Slattery, D. (2020, May 27). New York lawmakers extend ‘look back’ window for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Daily News.
- 25
Tokasz, J. (2019, November 29). Buffalo Diocese is defendant in 221 Child Victims Act suits, as most-sued entity in the state. The Buffalo News.
- 26
Tokasz, J. (2020, February 28). Buffalo Diocese files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The Buffalo News.
- 27
Whittaker, J. (2020, January 15). Child Victims Act extension proposed in NY Senate. Auburn Pub.
- 28
(2015, January 16). The archdiocese has filed for bankruptcy. Now what? MPRNews.
- 29
(2020, April 8). NY lawmakers decline Child Victims Act extension. WGRZ.