By Joe Mcdonald
The Times-Tribune
January 12, 2010
http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/diocese-school-superintendent-is-the-subject-of-sex-abuse-review-by-da-s-office-1.540073
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| JOSEPH G. CASCIANO In post since 2005 |
The superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Scranton, who has taken a leave of absence, is the subject of a sexual abuse allegation under review by the Lackawanna County district attorney's office, District Attorney Andy Jarbola said Monday.
In a letter, the diocese asked Mr. Jarbola's office to look into "alleged inappropriate touching."
Although the statute of limitations has expired, Mr. Jarbola said, "We are reviewing the information that was presented to us."
The superintendent of schools, Joseph G. Casciano, has been granted a leave of absence, but diocesean officials have not given a reason for the leave.
Mr. Jarbola said diocesean officials notified his office of the allegation two weeks ago. Though the alleged incident happened years ago, the victim apparently notified the diocese only recently, Mr. Jarbola said.
The information was relayed to the district attorney's office under a policy the office has with the diocese that requires it to turn over all such reports, Mr. Jarbola said.
Mr. Casciano, a West Scranton resident who has overseen schools in the 11-county diocese since 2005, started his career with the diocese in 1977 as a junior high teacher at St. Patrick's School, now All Saints Academy, in Scranton.
He also has taken a leave of absence from his job as acting secretary for parish life and evangelization.
Among his duties as superintendent of schools, Mr. Casciano assisted in consolidating and closing schools in the face of declining student enrollment.
Kathleen P. Hanlon has been named acting superintendent, and David A. Clark is serving as acting secretary for parish life and evangelization.
Contact the writer: jmcdonald@timesshamrock.com
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