Diocese of Ogdensburg NY - BishopAccountability.org

52 Accused in This Diocese

Fr. Fay W. Ager

Ordained: 1979
Status: Accused

First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult.

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Fr. Floyd J. Brown

Ordained: 1943
Status: Sued

Died: 09/20/1994
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

Monsignor. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 6/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a minor at St. Mary's in Massena in about 1987-91. Died 9/20/94.

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Fr. Joseph A. Conti

Ordained: 1967
Status: Sued

Died: 07/30/2018
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of credibly accused. Died 7/30/18. Accused in a 6/30/20 lawsuit filed under the NY Child Victims Act of abusing a minor, ages 10-14, at St. John's Academy in Plattsburgh. The plaintiff also accused Rev. John J. Fallon. Accused in a suit filed 4/1/21 of abusing a boy in 1969, along with Rev. Roland St. Pierre. The abuse allegedly took place in a wooded area and included sodomy. The priests are said to have taken turns abusing the boy, while the other watched.

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Fr. Francis Gordon Coseo

Ordained: 1938
Status: Sued

Died: 02/5/1997
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

Monsignor. Accused in a lawsuit filed 6/30/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a minor from about 1971-76 at Notre Dame Church in Malone. Died 2/5/97.

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Fr. Joseph A. Degan

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1956
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult. Name spelled "Degen" on list, but "Degan" in Official Catholic Directory.

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Fr. James A. Delbel

Ordained: 1981
Status: Sued

Died: 07/10/2013
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

Parish priest, school principal, prison chaplain. Died 7/10/13, age 69. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act.

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Fr. John L. Downs

Ordained: 1955
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 under NY's Child Victims Act. The diocese acknowledged it had investigated a claim and reported it to law enforcement, then deemed the claim unsubstantiated. Downs remained an active priest in semi-retirement in 8/19.

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Fr. Robert O. Duford

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1906
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult. Died 10/10/49.

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Fr. Joseph W. Elliott

Ordained: 1971
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed 6/30/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a minor from about 1985-88 at St. Michael's in Parishville and St. Mary's in Potsdam.

Sources:

WWNY 06.30.20
The Press Republican 07.02.20

Fr. John J. Fallon

Ordained: 1955
Status: Convicted

Died: 02/5/2005
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

Arrested in 9/1985 on charges of mailing child pornography, involving photos of a boy under age 14, to a photo lab for developing. Other photos of boys from the town where Fallon was assigned were found at the rectory. Pleaded guilty in 12/1985; sentenced to 5 years probation, including 6 months of psychiatric therapy. Sent to Via Coeli in Jemez Springs NM. Lived in NM "on sick leave" 1989-2000. Moved to a Syracuse retirement home; remained inactive. Syracuse diocese said it had no knowledge of his past. Died 2/5/2005. On Ogdensburg diocese's list 11/13/2018. Named in 8/2019 lawsuit(s) under the NY Child Victims Act. By 4/2021 there were eight suits naming Fallon. Included on the Santa Fe archdiocese's list 5/19/2021.

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Fr. Ronald J. Farchette

Ordained: 1969
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult.

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Fr. Bruce T. Favreau

Ordained: 1980
Status: Accused

Died: 05/18/2022
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult. Died in 5/22. Per his obituary, Favreau worked in the Diocese of Ogdensburg for 20 years, then spent the rest of his life in Burlington VT.

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Fr. George A. Fontaine

Ordained: 1936
Status: Sued

Died: 12/18/1990
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 6/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a minor in about 1971 at Our Lady of Lourdes in Schroon Lake. Died 12/18/90.

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Fr. Aquinas Reding

Order: OFM
Ordained: 1953
Status: Sued

Died: 01/4/2000
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

Given name Paul Francis Reding. Accused in a lawsuit(s) in 2020 under the NY Child Victims Act of the sexual abuse of a minor(s). Per his obituary, Reding had assignments in NY City, Asheville NC, St. Petersburg FL, Brazil, Denver CO, Croghan NY, East Rutherford NJ, Allegany NY and Obernburg NY. He died 1/4/2000.

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Fr. Charles J. Richard

Ordained: 1946
Status: Sued

Died: 02/7/2007
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

Accused in a 2020 lawsuit(s) of the sexual abuse of a minor(s). Per his obituary, Richard was assigned to a St. Mary's in Potsdam after ordination until 1951 when he became an Army chaplain. Worked in Korea 1952-53, Vietnam 1968-69, and in Europe, South America and Panama. Returned to the Ogdensburg diocese, assigned 1972-1996 to Sacred Heart, then chaplain of Mater Dei College and later of St. Joseph's Home. He died 2/14/07.

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Fr. Joseph Arthur Francoeur

Order: MSC
Ordained: 1939
Status: Sued

Died: 12/2/1988
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

Referred to as J. Arthur or Joseph A. Longtime pastor of Sacred Heart in Watertown, NY. Also known to have worked in the Dioceses of Providence, RI and St. Petersburg, FL. Died 12/2/1988. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/2019 under the NY Child Victims Act. Included on the Missionaries of Sacred Heart USA Province list of credibly accused.

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Fr. Edward L. Franklin

Ordained: 1962
Status: Sued

Died: 04/16/2005
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

Ordained for the Diocese of Ogdensburg. Was moved often among parishes and through several dioceses, including Hartford, Newark and San Bernardino. First named publicly as accused by the Hartford Diocese on its 11/13/2018 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult. Attended Trinity College on a study leave while living at Our Lady Of Mercy in Plainville. Removed from ministry by the Ogdensberg Diocese in 1996. Per the Official Catholic Directory, had been working in the Diocese of San Bernardino while Absent on Sick Leave from the Diocese of Ogdensburg. Died 4/16/2005. Accused in a lawsuit filed 6/20/2020 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a minor 1963-1964 at Holy Family in Watertown NY. Accused in another CVA lawsuit, filed in 8/2019, of sexually abusing an altar boy, about age 13 in around 1967, at Our Lady Star of the Sea on Staten Island. (Referred to as "Edwin" Franklin.) By 4/2021, Franklin was accused in four lawsuits.

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Br. Roland A. Gaudette

Order: FIC
Status: Sued

Died: 12/4/2005
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

Accused in a lawsuit(s) filed under the NY Child Victims Act in 2020 of the sexual abuse of a minor(s). Educator, assigned to schools in Alfred ME, Plattsburgh and Morrisonville NY. Died in 12/05.

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Fr. Theodore M. Gillette

Ordained: 1978
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

Gillette and three other priests were removed from their assignments in 7/02 as a result of the new zero tolerance policy from the recent Dallas Bishops' conference. He was working at St. Paul's in Black River at the time of his removal. Diocese said all four priests had substantiated allegations against them and all had been through some form of therapy. Died 8/31/14. On diocese's list 11/13/18.

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Fr. John M. Hunt

Ordained: 1969
Status: Accused

Died: 04/16/2016
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

Resigned as pastor of two parishes and placed on leave in 6/06 after allegations of "inappropriate sexual behavior" more than 10 years previously were received by diocese. On diocese's list 11/13/18. Died 4/16/16 at his home in Pompano Beach, FL.

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Fr. Frank M. Kearns

Ordained: 1956
Status: Sued

Died: 02/4/1990
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

Francis Maurus Kearns. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 6/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a minor in about 1965-67 at St. Joseph's in Dannemora. Died 2/4/90.

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Fr. Edwin A. Kennedy

Ordained: 1951
Status: Sued

Died: 10/18/1990
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult. Died 10/18/90. Named in lawsuit(s) in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act.

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Fr. John M. Kennedy

Ordained: 1935
Status: Accused

Died: 08/11/1979
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult. Died 8/11/79.

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Fr. Emile G. LaLonde

Ordained: 1941
Status: Sued

Died: 07/3/2011
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult. Died 7/3/11. Named in 8/19 lawsuit(s) under the NY Child Victims Act. By 4/21 there were six lawsuits claiming abuse by LaLonde in the 1960s and 1970s while he was assigned to parishes in Madrid and North Bangor.

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Fr. James M. Larche

Ordained: 1991
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult.

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Fr. Joseph F. Luker

Ordained: 1933
Status: Sued

Died: 06/21/1972
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

Monsignor. Chancery positions included Director of Catholic Charities and Director of Diocesan Hospitals. Accused in a lawsuit filed 6/30/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a minor in about 1971 or 1972 at St. Peter's in Lowville. Died 6/21/72.

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Fr. Donald J. Manfred

Ordained: 1967
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

Per Attorney Jeff Anderson in 4/21, Manfred was accused in a lawsuit filed under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a minor in 1971.

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Fr. Roger M. Martin

Ordained: 1951
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult. Deceased.

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Fr. Gerald F. McGrath

Ordained: 1958
Status: Sued

Died: 07/20/2016
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult. Per the Official Catholic Directory, McGrath was "on duty outside the diocese" in the Archdiocese of Miami FL, where he appears to have spent the remainder of his priesthood. Died 7/20/16. Named in lawsuit(s) filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act.

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Fr. John F. McNamara

Ordained: 1943
Status: Indicted

Died: 07/10/1971
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 2021 under the NY Child Victims Act of child sexual abuse, occurring 1945-47. McNamara died in 1971.

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Fr. Roland V. Menard

Ordained: 1964
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult. Accused in a lawsuit filed 6/30/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a minor 1979-81 at St. Mary's in Fort Covington. Per the diocese in 6/20, Menard had not been in ministry for over 30 years.

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Fr. Andrew Robert Mulvaney

Ordained: 1968
Status: Sued

Died: 05/27/2013
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act. Seven different assignments as parish priest, then pastor 1977-83 at St. Martin's in Port Leyden. Army chaplain 1983-2003, then pastor at Black River and Deferiet NY parishes until retirement in 2012. Died 5/27/13.

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Fr. Liam O’Doherty

Ordained: 1965
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

First indicted by Grand Jury in 1979 for sexual contact with three 14-year-old girls. Case dismissed after six months (when no further complaints received) and Diocese put him back to work. "Absent on sick leave" without privileges as of 1999. Beginning in 2000, four women filed separate suits alleging he abused them in 1980s and 1990s. All settled 1/03 for total of $180K. Living at Vianney Renewal Center in MO in 1/03, apparently subject to severe restrictions. Included on Ogdensburg diocese's list 11/13/18. Named in lawsuit(s) filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act. By 4/21 there were eight suits naming O'Doherty, one claiming abuse in 1966.

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Fr. Paul Oehler

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1959
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 5/22. Noted to be deceased.

Sources:

Diocese of Ogdensburg List 05.20.22

Fr. John F. Pendergast

Ordained: 1954
Status: Sued

Died: 05/21/1998
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

Monsignor. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 6/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a minor in about 1987-89 at St. Mary's in Massena. Died 5/21/98.

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Fr. Albert R. Plante

Ordained: 1948
Status: Sued

Died: 08/31/2000
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult. Died 8/31/00. Named in lawsuit(s) filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act. There were four lawsuits naming him by 4/21.

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Fr. Thomas J. Robillard

Ordained: 1944
Status: Sued

Died: 03/19/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

Monsignor. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 2/21 against the diocese of sexually abusing a child, ages 7-10, 1970-73. The Abuse allegedly occurred at St. John the Baptist Parish in Keeseville, and included battery and rape. Robillard died 3/19/09, at age 91.

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Fr. Thomas W. Rogers

Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

Ordained in Boston MA where he worked for a year, then for another year in KY as a "street preacher." Transferred to the Diocese of Greensburg PA when it was created in 1954. First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Included on the Greensburg diocese's list of credibly accused. Allegation in 8/62 of attempted sexual assault by Rogers of an adolescent boy near Lake Saranac in NY. Diocese of Ogdensburg NY notified Greensburg's Bishop Connare. Alleged victim told police in the Lake Saranac area that the attempted assault occurred after he was picked up hitch-hiking. The boy escaped and was able to give detailed information to police. The car was traced to Rogers, who was in the area visiting his mother. The boy's description of the man in the car matched Rogers "perfectly." Police confronted Rogers at a local church rectory; he denied the incident. The boy's father, "a good Catholic," was called to the rectory. He agreed not to press charges if Rogers stayed away from the area and admitted guilt. Police agreed. Rogers left town the same day. Rogers remained in parish ministry. Retired in 11/98. Removed from public ministry after review of file in 2002. Died in 2005.

Assignments:

PA Grand Jury Report Profile 08.14.18

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Fr. Donald E. Seguin

Ordained: 1946
Status: Sued

Died: 08/8/1976
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed 6/30/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a minor in about 1961 at Sacred Heart of Jesus in Crown Point. Died 8/8/76.

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Fr. Gerald Sharland

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1945
Status: Accused

Died: 08/5/1973
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult. Died 8/5/73.

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Fr. Robert M. Shurtleff

Ordained: 1970
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

Shurtleff was one of four priests removed from parish assignments in 6/02 as result of the zero-tolerance policy resulting from the recent Dallas Bishops' Conference. Diocese said all four priests had substantiated allegations against them and all had been through some form of therapy. On diocese's list 11/13/18. Named in lawsuits filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act.

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Fr. Herbert Skurski

Order: OFM Conv
Ordained: 1944
Status: Settled

Died: 01/16/1996
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

Multiple allegations. In a letter to Bishop LaValley, a woman reported that Skurski sexually abused her as a child when he was assigned to the Ogdensburg diocese, 1982-85. The diocese provided financial assistance for counseling and, in 12/18, a $100K offer from the IRCP. Per his obituary, Skurski was assigned to parishes in CT, PA, MD, NY, MA, Nova Scotia, ME. He died in Shamokin PA 1/16/96. Accused in a lawsuit filed 8/14/19 of sexually abusing a child, ages 7-9, at Queen of the Most Holy Rosary in Buffalo NY 1955-57, and another filed the same day of abuse of a child, ages 12-13 in 1959-60, also at Holy Rosary.

Assignments:

Findagrave accessed 03.08.19

Documents:

Supreme Court of the State of NY County of Erie AB 93 Doe, Index No. Plaintiff v The Diocese of
Buffalo, Conventual Franciscans et al
Supreme Court of the State of NY County of Erie AB 94 Doe, Index No. Plaintiff v The Diocese of
Buffalo, Conventual Franciscans et al

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Fr. Thomas Squires

Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list. Accused in a suit filed under the NY Child Victims Act in 2019 of abusing boy, age 14, over two years. His accuser said Squires began grooming him at age 11, when his mother was seriously ill with Multiple Sclerosis. The family were parishioners of St. John's in Plattsburgh, where Squires was assigned.

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Fr. Roland H. St. Pierre

Order: OMI
Ordained: 1952
Status: Sued

Died: 02/3/2010
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

Accused, along with Rev. Joseph Conti, in a lawsuit filed 4/1/21 of sexually abusing a boy, beginning when the boy was age 4 in 1968 and ending in the early 1970s when the boy was 8. St. Pierre was pastor of St. Peter's in Plattsburgh during the time in question. Per the plaintiff, the abuse included sodomy and took place in a wooded area. The priests are said to have taken turns abusing the boy while the other would watch. St. Pierre was mayor of Plattsbugh 1972-77. He died 2/13/10.

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Fr. Carl Stone

Order: SMM
Ordained: 1942
Status: Convicted

Died: 11/29/2006
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

Named publicly in Canada 7/30/08 as accused. On 7/31/08 the Albany diocese acknowledged, in response to pressure from SNAP, that it had removed Stone from ministry in 1981 after he pled guilty to sodomizing two teenage brothers in Colonie, NY. He had worked in the Albany diocese for about 11 years. Prior to Albany, Stone worked in the Diocese of Ogdensburg, where he was also accused. After his 1981 conviction, and while on probation, Bishop LaRocque of Alexandria-Cornwall, Ontario, Canada hired Stone. LaRocque had full knowledge of Stone's history of abuse. After new allegations in 1985, Larocque terminated him. Stone died in 11/06.

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Fr. George W. Tobin

Ordained: 1950
Status: Accused

Died: 08/25/2010
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult. Died 8/25/10.

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Fr. Michael A. Toth

Ordained: 1974
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult.

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Fr. John M. Waterhouse

Ordained: 1945
Status: Sued

Died: 12/28/1995
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

Monsignor. Accused in a lawsuit filed 6/8/20 of sexually abusing an altar boy, ages 10-15, many times during 1973-78. The abuse allegedly occurred at St. Joseph's in West Chazy. Waterhouse died 12/28/95.

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Fr. Clark S. White

Ordained: 1974
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

White was one of four priests removed from parish assignments in 6/02 as result of the zero-tolerance policy resulting from the recent Dallas Bishops' Conference. He was pastor of St. Patrick's in Brasher Falls at time of his removal. Diocese said all four priests had substantiated allegations against them and all had been through some form of therapy. Included on diocese's list 11/13/18. Named in lawsuit(s) filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act.

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Fr. John F. Wiley

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1956
Status: Accused

Died: 02/26/1984
Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult. Died 2/26/84.

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Fr. David E. Wisniewski

Ordained: 1981
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

Wisniewski was one of four priests removed from parish assignments in 6/02 as result of the zero-tolerance policy resulting from the recent Dallas Bishops' Conference. Wisniewski was associate pastor for about two years at Notre Dame Pharish in Malone during the mid-1980s. Diocese said all four priests had substantiated allegations against them and all had been through some form of therapy. On diocese's list 11/13/18.

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Fr. Paul F. Worczak

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1968
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Ogdensburg NY

In 4/02 a man told the diocese that Worczak molested him when he was age 11 in 1971, at Holy Family in Watertown. The priest allegedly touched the boy inappropriately and later kissed him. Worczak's accuser said there were other victims. Bishop Barbarito kept Worczak in active ministry until 3/03. Parishioners said they were not informed as to why he was removed. The diocese offered to pay for counseling (past or future) but refused to admit to liability, saying the statute of limitations had passed. On diocese's list 11/13/18. Named in lawsuit(s) filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act.

Assignments:

North County Now 03.14.18

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