UTICA (NY)
Observer-Dispatch
Thu, Dec 16, 2004
ROCCO LaDUCA
Observer-Dispatch
UTICA -- An internal investigation by the Catholic Diocese of Syracuse found "insufficient evidence" to substantiate allegations that the Rev. James Quinn sexually abused a youth more than 30 years ago, the diocese announced Wednesday.
Whenever allegations of sexual abuse are brought against a member of the diocese, church law dictates certain procedures must be followed to investigate, diocesan spokeswoman Danielle Cummings said.
"Our obligation is to learn the truth to the best of our ability," Cummings said, "and at this point, after a lengthy investigation over a 19-month period, the diocese has found that there is insufficient evidence to substantiate these allegations."
In a $150 million lawsuit, Quinn is accused of repeatedly sexually abusing John Zumpano in the 1960s while he was a student at St. Agnes Church, where Quinn was an assistant pastor.
Zumpano's lawsuit was dismissed by the state Supreme Court, and that dismissal was upheld by the state Appellate Division last month. Now, Zumpano's attorney, Frank Policelli, will ask the Appellate Division for permission Monday to bring Zumpano's case to the Court of Appeals.
Posted by kshaw at December 16, 2004 08:03 AM