ALBANY (NY)
The Empire Journal
Long on accusations and character assassinations but short on proof and evidence.
John Aretakis, the attorney at the center of sexual abuse allegations against the clergy and particularly the Albany Roman Catholic Diocese, seems more intent on trying his cases in the media and engaging in a smear campaign than in the courtroom where proof and witnesses have to be presented.
Although he claims that Diocese investigations are incomplete, he refuses to provide the names of alleged witnesses who allegedly support claims made by himself and his client against the clergy.
One of Aretakis targets. the Rev. Daniel Maher, pastor of Albany’s Holy Cross Church, has been exonerated by the Diocese’s Sexual Misconduct Review Board which has found following investigation that there is “no reasonable cause” to believe allegations of sexual misconduct brought by Thomas G. Clements of Albany against Maher for alleged incidents he says occurred over 30 years ago when he was 13.
The Review Board was comprised primarily of lay people.