POTSDAM (NY)
Watertown Daily Times
By Martha Ellen
Times Staff Writer
Thursday, October 06, 2005
An accusation of sexual abuse of a former Potsdam resident by a priest more than 30 years ago is unsubstantiated, so the accused clergyman will remain behind the altar.
The determination, made by Bishop Robert J. Cunningham on the recommendation of a lay review panel and backed up by a report by private investigator Joseph R. Lightfoot, was given by telephone to accuser Susanne H. Davis this week.
"They told me they've gone as far as they can go," she said. "I don't think they're mean-spirited. I just think they're dumb."
Although dissatisfied with the results, Ms. Davis, who lives in Boston and Englewood, Fla., won't continue to pursue her allegation that she was coerced into performing oral sex on a priest.