BUFFALO (NY)
WGRZ-TV [Buffalo NY]
July 24, 2024
By Sean Mickey
The Erie County District Attorney’s Office is looking into sexual misconduct allegations involving a Buffalo Catholic priest.
On Tuesday, the Diocese of Buffalo announced its internal review board substantiated claims against Rev. Joseph Rogliano. He was accused of engaging in acts of sexual misconduct with adults.
The DA’s office will determine if the reported conduct is criminal and within the statute of limitations, a spokesperson tells 2 On Your Side Investigates. They are awaiting more information from the diocese.
“Our office will investigate any complaint of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct involving a child or adult victim brought to our attention,” a spokesperson for the DA’s office said in a statement.
The memorandum of understanding between the Diocese of Buffalo and Erie County District Attorney only requires notification of allegations of sexual abuse involving people under the age of 17.
Rogliano was initially placed on leave in September while the diocese looked into the claims against him. In November, he was subsequently named in an Adult Survivors Act lawsuit.
In the lawsuit, Rogliano is accused of making unwanted sexual advances towards a man in 2010. The abuse is alleged to have occurred in the rectory at Fourteen Holy Helpers Parish during post-funeral counseling. It remains unclear what other allegations were made against Rogliano.
Before learning the outcomes of the accusations against him, Rogliano resigned as pastor of Family 21 in February and subsequently retired.
Family 21 is composed of Blessed Trinity, SS. Columba-Brigid, St. Lawrence, and St. Martin de Porres parishes.
Rogliano is still technically a priest, as he has not been defrocked, but is restricted from public ministry. Ordained in 1985, Rogliano also served as coordinator of the priests’ personnel board before being removed.