WWNY
September 4, 2008
http://www.wwnytv.net/index.php/2008/09/04/priest-indicted-on-child-sex-abuse-charges/
A 48 year old Roman Catholic priest who was based in St. Lawrence County has been indicted on child sexual abuse charges.
Last February, state police arrested Father John Broderick at the Holy Name of Jesus Academy in Massena.
The Nicholville man was initially accused of sexually abusing four children in Montgomery County.
A Montgomery County grand jury indicted the Broderick on three felony counts of having sexual contact with children younger than 11.
The indictment also accuses Broderick of unlawfully providing alcohol to the children.
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Authorities say the children were abused in the Montgomery County town of Palatine between 2005 and 2007.
Palatine is between Utica and Schenectady.
Last February, state police said Broderick befriended a family and was considered their spiritual advisor.
He was accused of inappropriate sexual contact with at least four children in that family. The children ranged in age from five to eleven.
In February, church officials said Broderick was not acting in any capacity within the Albany and Ogdesnburg dioceses.
The Holy Name of Jesus Academy in Massena, where Broderick was working at the time of his arrest, did not comment on Broderick or his position at the school.
Officials with the Diocese of Ogdensburg said Broderick had no relationship with them - saying the school operated outside of the Roman Catholic community.
Broderick was suspended from the Syracuse diocese in early 2007 for conflicts with the administration.
A spokeswoman for the Roman Catholic Diocese in Syracuse says the diocese had received no prior allegations involving Broderick.
The priest was ordained in 1989 but has not been assigned to a local parish since 2004.
Broderick’s lawyer says they intend to fight the charges and exonerate the priest.
No complaints were filed against the priest in Massena.
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