Diocese of Rockville Centre NY - BishopAccountability.org

128 Accused in This Diocese

Fr. Peter A. Allen

Ordained: 1971
Status: Accused

Placed on leave from Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in 12/06 after prosecutors told diocese of credible allegation of abuse by one person. Allen was mentioned in a 2003 civil suit filed against Fr. Eugene Vollmer and Diocese. Suit says he knew or should have known of abuse of 4 boys by Vollmer at rectory of St. Joseph's parish in Ronkonkoma. Retired 2011. On the diocese's list in 2021.

Assignments:

Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

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Fr. Robert J. Allmendinger/Allmen

Ordained: 1980
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as accused by the Diocese on its list 3/18/2021, which notes that abuse is alleged to have occurred at St. William the Abbot in Seaford, in Allmendinger's car and home in the Hamptons and at a family member of the priest's home. Assigned to St. William's 1/1980-1982. Appears not to have had an assignment after 11/1986. Changed his name to Robert Allmen. Per Linkedin in 2/2025, "Allmen" refers to himself as an Archbishop of the American Catholic Church and is based at Good Shepherd Parish in Hampton Bays. He performs wedding ceremonies around Long Island. His profile also states that he is Executive Director of the Family Counseling Center and that he is "an outspoke advocate for the protection of children against sex abusers... ." Another source states that he has been Bishop at Good Shepherd and Executive Director of the Family Counseling Center since 1989.

Assignments:

Horowitz Law Assignment Record

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Fr. Arthur C. Anderson

Ordained: 1962
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 3/21. Abuse allegedly occurred at St. Pius X Preparatory Seminary in Uniondale, where he was on faculty for 19 years, beginning in 1963. Retired in 2003. Died 10/1/11.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Newsday 02.17.03
Express Times Obituary 10.05.11
Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21
St Pius X Alumni accessed 05.01.21

Fr. Louis F. Angeles

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1965
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 3/21. Abuse alleged to have occurred at St. Joseph's in Babylon, where Angeles was assigned 1984-89. Appears not to have been assigned after 1995.

Sources:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. Joseph V. Arevalo

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1965
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

From the Philippines. Worked in the Rockville Centre diocese from about 1977. Assigned to parishes in Coram, Glen Cove, Huntington Station, Freeport, Babylon. Retired in 2014. Accused in 6/19 via the IRCP of sexually abusing a boy, ages 8-11 during 1992-95, while assigned to St. Hugh of Lincoln in Huntington Station. The alleged victim filed suit in 2/20.

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Fr. Daniel G. Babis

Ordained: 1948
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Accused in a 1/9/06 complaint of sexually abusing a boy and girl and three of their siblings from the early 1950s through 1968, when their father confronted Babis. The abuse, which allegedly included fondling and photographing his naked victims, occurred in the children's home while their father was ill, in church buildings including a home for retired nuns, and on overnight trips. Babis was transferred to Florida in 1970. He died there 12/12/78. After the suit was filed, at least four others reportedly alleged abuse during the 1960s at Babis' last NY parish: two brothers and a sister in one family and a girl fondled at age nine in the rectory. On diocese's list in 3/21.

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Fr. James J. Bergin

Ordained: 1961
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Accused of abuse of at least two minors. Died in 1992. One claim settled for $25K in Fall 1993. Weeks later, plaintiff was dead of a heroin overdose. His parents were furious that Rev. Alan Placa (for diocese) agreed to cash settlement with a person who was an active addict. Suffolk County Grand Jury's description of Priest E matches a public allegation against Bergin. Named in a 2003 civil suit. Included on the diocese's list in 3/21.

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Fr. Charles E. Bermingham

Ordained: 1932
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Monsignor. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 3/21. Abuse allegedly occurred at St. Aidan's in Williston Park where, per the list, Bermingham was assigned in 1952 for an "unknown" period of time, and again in 1952, length of assignment "unknown." A 1960 news article shows that he named pastor of St. Aidan's that year, and had been there since 1952. It appears, per the Catholic Directories, that he was at the parish through his retirement in 1978. Died 12/21/03.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Daily News 07.17.60
Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21
Newsday 05.02.21
Microsoft News 06.03.21

Fr. Richard M. Berry

Ordained: 1952
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Ordained for the Diocese of Brooklyn, part of which became the Diocese of Rockville Centre in 1957. Assigned to parishes in Lynbrook, East Northport, Valley Stream, Ronkonkoma, Huntington Station, Bellport, East Meadow. Died 12/12/81. Accused in a lawsuit filed 12/24/19 of sexually abusing a girl, ages 12-14, during 1954-56, at Our Lady of Peace in Lynbrook.

Sources:

Romano v Diocese of Brooklyn re Berry 12.24.19

Fr. James K. Bogert

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1967
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 3/21. Abuse allegedly occurred at the Nassau County Jail and Children's Center, where Bogert was chaplain beginning in 5/79, and at a movie theater, his car, private home in Clifton Park and Bogert's home on Long Island. Moved to the Diocese of Palm Beach in 12/92. Per the 2019 Catholic Directory Bogert was retired and living in Santa Cruz, NM.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. William G. Breslawski

Ordained: 1979
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Monsignor. Complaint to the diocese in 2002 from a person alleging that Breslawski sexually abused their friend in 7th or 8th grade, in 1980. Diocese revisited file in 2018, gave accuser's name to D.A. and launched an internal investigation. Files showed another complaint in 2002 by two people alleging that in 1984 Breslawski was inappropriate with them; both were adults during the incident. Suspended in 9/18. Included in 3/21 on the diocese's list of accused.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

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Fr. Brian J. Brinker

Ordained: 1988
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

A woman filed a complaint in 1996 with police and the diocese accusing Brinker of inappropriately touching her 14-year-old son on a trip to San Francisco, and showing him pornographic movies in Las Vegas. Psychiatric report was completed. Brinker was kept in ministry. Placed on leave in 3/02 due to same allegation, later allowed to resume work. In 2005 the Vatican deemed the claims unsubstantiated. Suspended in 10/18 after new allegation of abuse of a youth 1993-97. Included in 1/21 on the Diocese of Fall River's list of accused, where he had limited faculties for family baptism.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record and Other Info
Diocese of Fall River List 01.26.21

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Fr. Robert L. Brown

Ordained: 1957
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Allegation to the diocese in 2014 that Brown sexually abused a boy 1981-89 beginning when he was age 16. The boy was a parishioner of St. Catherine of Sienna in Franklin Square, and reportedly had gone to Brown for guidance. The abuse is said to have occurred during sleepovers in the rectory, and included rape. Brown's accuser said he told other priests about the abuse in confessions, but no one helped him. Brown died in the mid-1990s. Accuser received $500K in 2018 from the diocese. Accused in 2/19, along with Msgr. John McGann (later bishop) and Msgr. Edward Melton, of molesting two girls at St. Agnes parish. One of the women also said she was abused by the parish janitor, John Hanlon. Brown is deceased. The women and the brother of one of them sued the diocese in 10/19, claiming abuse as children. On diocese's list in 3/21.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

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Fr. William Michael Burke

Ordained: 1946
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named as an abusive priest in one of two massive lawsuits filed against the Diocese of Rockville Centre in 2003. Accused of abusing an elementary school student in the 1970s, starting when Burke was a deacon. Burke died in a house fire in 1995. Lawsuits filed in 8/19: claims of abuse in 1972 of a 7-year-old at St. Lawrence School in Sayville; claims of abuse, along with Rev. Alfred Soave, of a child, ages 8-14, at St. Andrews in Sag Harbor, 1974-79. On the diocese's list of accused in 3/21.

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Fr. John Robert Butler

Ordained: 1957
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Ordained for the Diocese of Richmond VA. Worked in WV, the Diocese of Rockville Centre NY, and the Trenton and Metuchen dioceses. Removed 4/11/2002 in Metuchen after a man complained that he and numerous others had been abused by Butler in Rockville Centre in the 1950s and 1960s. The man said he had complained to the Rockville Centre Diocese when he was a teen, but no action, and that the Diocese moved Butler to a parish in Brooklyn. Worked in the Trenton and Metuchen dioceses 1971-2002. Also allegedly abused at least one in Metuchen; this individual was included in a Metuchen settlement of 2/2003. Named in a 5/2019 suit accusing over 300 in NJ. Included on the Richmond Diocese's list 2/13/2019. Laicized. On the Rockville Centre Diocese's's list in 3/2021. Accused in a 9/2021 lawsuit of abusing a boy, ages 9-12, during 1995-1998, while assigned to St. John Vianney School in Colonia, NJ. Butler died in 2016.

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Fr. Paul F. Butler

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1987
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 7/21 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a minor in the 1980s, while a seminarian. Placed on leave.

Sources:

Diocese of Rockville Centre Statement 07.17.21

Fr. Edward J. Byrne

Ordained: 1938
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as credibly accused 5/1/19 by Attorney Mitchell Garabedian. Byrne allegedly sexually abused a boy, about age 11, while assigned to St. Barnabas in Bellmore 1971 and 1972. Byrne died 2/19/88. Included on the diocese's list in 3/21.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

News 12 Long Island 05.01.19
Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. Gregory J. Cappuccino

Ordained: 1973
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in early 2020 of sexually abusing a boy, age 17, in 1984. The abuse allegedly occurred in the sacristy and rectory of St. Anthony of Padua in Rocky Point. In 5/20 Cappuccino is pastor of St. Frances de Chantal in Wantagh.

Sources:

New York Post 05.24.20

Fr. Michael A. Carroll

Ordained: 1985
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Placed on leave in Spring, 2002 from his assignment as chaplain at Mercy Medical Center after accusation of abuse. Cleared by Vatican and reinstated in 2004. Identified as Priest P in Suffolk Cty Grand Jury Report. of 2003. Report indicates that he left several parishes suddenly and had complaints against him of inappropriate sexual contact with a teenage boy as well as young men over the age of 18. Included on the diocese's list in 3/21.

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Fr. Joseph D. Casaciang

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1964
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly in 10/19 by the diocese as accused of sexually abusing a girl, ages 10-13, 1979-82. The girl's family attended St. Joseph's in King's Park. His accuser sued, resulting in a "low six-figures" settlement in 10/19.

Sources:

Long Island News 12 10.18.19

Fr. Joseph D. Casaclang

Ordained: 1964
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as accused by the diocese in 10/19. Allegedly sexually abused a girl, ages 10-13, during 1979-82. The girl's family attended St. Joseph's Parish in King's Park, where Casaclang was assigned. The abuse is said to have occurred during the priest's visits to the family's home. Casaclang left the parish after the diocese learned of the allegations, and was assigned to two more parishes. He is not indexed in the Official Catholic Directory after 2000. His accuser sued, and in 10/19 received a "low six-figures" settlement from the diocese. Included in 3/21 on the diocese's list of accused.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Long Island News 12 10.28.19
Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. Peter Charland

Ordained: 1972
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

In 2/18 it was announced that eight people had filed claims with the diocese's IRCP, alleging sex abuse as children by Charland in the early 1970s. The eight were members of St. Phillip and James parish's "PJ Folk Singers". One man said the abuse started when he was age 11, and that it occurred in the rectory, Charland's car, and on a choir trip to Romania. Some families reportedly complained to the diocese about Charland's behavior in the mid-1970s. Appears to have left ministry by 1976. Went on to marry a woman with three sons and to work as a psychotherapist with children. Died in 2004. Accused in a suit filed in 8/19 of abuse 1972-76 of a boy, ages 13-18, who attended St. Phlliip and James. On diocese's list of accused in 3/21.

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Fr. Gerard J. Chasse

Ordained: 1971
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Accused in a 1994 civil suit of repeatedly sexually abused a boy from 1/1969 through 12/1976 in Brentwood, NY. The plaintiff said Chasse also abused his brother. He said he put a note in the church's collection basket with his name and phone number, asking for help; there was no response. Dismissed due to the statute of limitations. Chasse moved to Montana in 1977, where he was in ministry for three years. He left the priesthood in 1980. Identified as Priest I in the 2003 Suffolk Co. Grand Jury Report. Per Attorney Mitchell Garabedian, a claim that Chasse sexually abused an altar boy, age 12-13 in 1973-1974, settled in 4/2020 in the low six figures. Chasse's name is included on the Diocese's list of accused in 3/2021.

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Fr. Thomas J. Colgan

Ordained: 1949
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named monsignor in 2004. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 3/21. Abuse allegedly occurred at St. Philip Neri in Northport, where he was longtime administrator and then pastor, 1976-1997. Died 2/2/18.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Newsday Obituary via Legacy 02.04.18
Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. Charles G. Collins

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1968
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Ordained for the Diocese of Trenton, NJ. Transferred around 1971 to the Rockville Centre diocese. Died in 1992. Accused at some point of sexually abusing a boy, ages 15-17, in 1978-79. Claim settled in 4/20 in the low six figures.

Assignments:

Garabedian Law Offices Assignment Record

Sources:

Garabedian Law Offices Assignment Record

Fr. Basil Peter Congro

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1978
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Accused in 4/14/03 suit of groping and sodomizing a boy 1980-83, starting when the boy was age 15, in the Rockville Centre diocese. Some abuse in confessional. Excardinated to Fresno CA diocese and was a Navy chaplain 1983-94. Excardinated to Charleston SC diocese; worked as pastor; also in Navy Reserves. Charleston said it learned of allegation in 6/02, deemed it credible and put Congro on administrative leave 9/23/02. Bishop Robert Baker wrote letter to priests in 4/03 after suit was filed. On Charleston diocese's list 3/29/19.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record and Other Info

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Fr. Damian Lawrence Cooper

Ordained: 1986
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Ordained for the Archdiocese of Vancouver. A/K/A Lawrence Dean Cooper. Accused by a woman of abusing her as a minor in Canada in 1994; archdiocese of Vancouver '[did] not dispute'. She met Cooper at age 15 when he was chaplain at a retreat. At age 16 she received counseling from him at cathedral offices. A 'sexual relationship' 1985-92 started when she was 17. Cooper was removed and sent for treatment. May have been assigned in OR for a brief time in 1994-95. Worked 1995-2001 in Rockville Centre NY, which was 'fully informed' but 'optimistic'; removed for similar behavior not involving a minor. Believed to be in the US as of 2012. Accuser from 1994 filed a civil suit in Canada in 12/12. Set for trial 9/14.

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Fr. Mario C. Costa

Ordained: 1953
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Monsignor. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 3/21. Abuse allegedly occurred at St. Paul the Apostle in Brookville/Jericho NY, where Costa was assigned 9/75-2/82 and 9/82-6/02. Died 12/21/07.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21
Newsday 05.02.21
Newsday 05.11.21
Microsoft News 06.03.21

Fr. Edward R. D’Andrea

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1973
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Pastor of Our Lady of the Snow in Blue Point when placed on leave in 4/11 "in accordance with the Dallas Charter." Still shown on administrative leave as of 10/13/13. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 of abuse 1975-78 of a minor, ages 15-18. Alleged victim was a student and parishioner of St. Barnabas in Bellmore. Also named was Rev. John Mahoney, accused of abuse of the child 1971-74. Included on the diocese's list of accused in 3/21. Abuse allegedly occurred at St. Barnabas, Pius X Seminary in Uniondale, Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, motels, D'Andrea's family member's home in Ronkonkoma and a private home in Craryville.

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Fr. William G. Dailey

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1959
Status: Accused

Died: 12/2/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as accused by the Rockville Centre diocese on its list in 3/2021. Abuse allegedly occurred at St. John Nepomucene in Bohemia NY, where Dailey was assigned 6/1987-2/1993. Died 12/2/2009.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. Raymond J. David

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1945
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 3/21. Abuse allegedly occurred at Our Lady of Victory in Floral Park, where David was assigned beginning in 1949, at his family member's house and in his car. Died 9/25/97.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. Eligio Della Rosa

Ordained: 1950
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

In 2/20 Attorney Mitchell Garabedian stated the diocese settled in 9/19 with a man claiming Della Rosa sexually abused him at age 14 in 1964. He was apparently a priest of the diocese at that time; the directories prior to 1962 show Della Rosa as a Salesian of Don Bosco. The abuse allegedly occurred at St. Anthony of Padua in Rocky Point and involved the priest forcing the boy to perform oral sex on him. Della Rosa died in 1991. Included in 3/21 on the Rockville diocese's list.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

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Fr. Dominic S. Devadoss

Donate Photo

Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as accused by the Rockville Centre diocese on its list in 3/21. Abuse allegedly occurred in a private home on Long Island. No time-frame shown. Died 5/18/91.

Sources:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. James C. Devita

Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused

Died: 09/21/2022
Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 3/2021. Allegedly abused while at St. Rocco in Glen Cove, where he was assigned 1969-1978. The abuse occurred at the parish, in Devita's car, at a Catholic retreat, at Devita's family member's house and at a private home. Last known to be living in Florida. Died in 9/2022.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. Thomas F. DeVita

Ordained: 1978
Status: Settled

Died: 12/13/2013
Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Ordained for the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Confessed publicly in 1998 to a "sexual relationship" with a 16-year-old boy in New York in 1978. The boy's mother had confronted him in 1978. She told Auxiliary Bishop G. Ryan in 1984 and he promised intervention. The mother learned that DeVita was still active in 1993 and again went to the Diocese, which paid a $50K settlement to the victim the same year. DeVita was sent to treatment and then assigned for 14 months in the Diocese of Venice, FL and then for 5 months in the Diocese of Palm Beach. Dismissed from both dioceses due to the NY allegations and behavior in FL. Accepted into the Diocese of Kalamazoo in 1995 by Bishop Markewicz, who was aware of the allegations. Incardinated into Kalamazoo in 8/1999. Suspended from public ministry in 2002 after the Dallas Bishops' Conference. DeVita appealed to the Vatican and was allowed reinstatement in 2003; not granted by diocese. Died 12/13/2013.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record and Other Info

Sources:

Fr. Angelo J. Ditta

Ordained: 1986
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Accused in 1997 of repeatedly molesting a young boy years earlier. The boy and his therapist met with Rev. Alan Placa, who was the diocese's vice chancellor, and described abuse beginning at age 9. Ditta was sent for therapy, then assigned to parish work without notification of his past. No reports were made to police until 2002. Ditta was removed from his parish assignment in 2002. Named in a 2003 civil suit. Identified as Priest H in the 2003 Suffolk Co Grand Jury Report. Included on the diocese's list in 3/21.

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Fr. Francis T. Dobson

Ordained: 1939
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 3/21. Abuse allegedly occurred at St. Thomas the Apostle in West Hempstead, where Dobson was assigned 1939-63. Diocesan Director of Radio. Died 3/18/87.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Daily News 08.25.63
Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. Joseph Durmann

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1927
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Died in 3/72. Accused in a lawsuit filed under the NY Child Victims Act in 8/19 of abusing a student at St. John of God in Central Islip 1957-61, when the student was ages 9-13.

Sources:

Long Island Weekly News 08.19.19

Fr. Peter L. Duvelsdorf

Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Accused of molesting two brothers in 1978. After their parents found out, they called their pastor who promised to take care of matters and offered counseling. Duvelsdorf was gone from parish the parish two days later. Had assignments at several parishes before moving in 1991 to Palm Beach, FL, where he also was in active parish ministry. Arrested there in 1997 for public lewdness. Returned to NY in 1998, lived at St. Pius X Residence in Uniondale. Retired in 2000. Died 6/15/09. Included on the Rockville Centre diocese's list of accused in 3/21.

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Fr. David G. Farley

Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Parish priest, Superintendent of Schools, school chaplain and counselor. Died 4/19/98. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 3/21. Abuse allegedly occurred at St. Anne's in Garden CIty, where Farley was assigned beginning in 1952, in a private home on Long Island and in Farley's car.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. Augustine Fernando

Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Reportedly from India. Arrived in the U.S. in 1991, assigned to St. Vincent de Paul in Elmont, NY, where he remained until 1998. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 3/21. Abuse allegedly occurred at St. Vincent de Paul.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Catholic Stand 08.06.20
Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. Nicholas J. Figliola

Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 3/21. Ordained for the Capuchin Franciscans (OFM.Cap.) Appears to have left the order around 1980, working thereafter as a Rockville Centre priest. Included on the diocese's list of accused in 3/21. Abuse allegedly occurred at Holy Name of Mary in Valley Stream, where Figliola was assigned 5/79-6/85.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. Matthew Fitzgerald

Ordained: 1968
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Accused of abuse of a teenage boy in the Rockville Centre diocese in the mid-1980s. Transferred to the Palm Beach, FL diocese in 1989. At least four separate allegations in parishes in Florida. Privileges were removed by Palm Beach in 2002. Named in a 2003 civil suit in New York. Also sued in Florida. Identified as Priest B in the Suffolk Co Grand Jury Report. Included in 3/21 on the Rockville Centre diocese's list of accused. It notes alleged abuse at St. Pius X in Plainview NY, where he was assigned 10/74-5/78, among other places.

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Fr. Joseph F. Fitzpatrick

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1965
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as accused on the Northeast Province Jesuits list 1/15/2019. It notes a report received in 1999 of abuse of a minor in the 1980s. Deemed credible. Permanently removed from ministry in 2002. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/2019 of abuse of a St. Mary's in Manhasset altar server, age 10-11, in 1982-1983. Included in 3/2021 on the Rockville Centre diocese's list of accused.

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Fr. Francis X. Gaeta

Ordained: 1963
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Monsignor. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list of accused in 3/21. Abuse allegedly occurred in a church vehicle in West Babylon. No time-frame shown. Retired in 1/11.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Newsday 02.17.03
Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. John F. Garvey

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1974
Status: Accused

Died: 10/19/2011
Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Jesuits Northeast Province on its list 1/15/2019, which notes allegations of abuse occurring 1978-1979 reported in 2013. Worked in Micronesia 1968-1971, 1974-1978. Did retreat work in Manhasset NY 1978-1987 then assigned to St. Ignatius Loyola parish in NYC 1987-1989, Xavier HS in NYC 1989-2002, and St. Ignatius parish again 2004-2006. Died 10/19/2011.

Assignments:

Jesuits Northeast Province List 01.15.19

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Fr. Robert J. Giuntini

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 3/21. Abuse allegedly occurred at St. Rosalie's in Hampton Bays, Notre Dame in New Hyde Park, NY Men's Club, his car and a men's bath house in Manhattan. Spent his pastoral year prior to ordination at Notre Dame. Assigned to St. Rosalie 1976-79. Died 10/22/10, age 63.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Wrestling with Angels blog 10.25.10
Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. William J. Gormley

Order: CM
Ordained: 1949
Status: Accused

Died: 05/2/2013
Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as accused by the Rockville Centre diocese on its list in 3/2021. Gorman allegedly abused at his house. No time-frame shown. Died 5/2/2013.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sr. Maureen Gregory

Donate Photo

Order: OP
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act of abusing a 16-year-old student of St. Agnes in Rockville Centre in 1965. The Sisters of St. Dominic ran the parish school.

Documents:

ARK46 Doe v Diocese of Rockville Centre et al 08.14.19

Sources:

Long Island Weekly News 08.19.19

Fr. Augustus “Gus” Griffin

Order: CSSp
Ordained: 1955
Status: Sued

Died: 08/9/2010
Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

From Ireland. Accused in civil suit filed summer, 2007 of sexually abusing a 16-year-old boy in the 1970s at St. Bernard's in Sunrise, FL. Accused in a suit filed in 8/2019 of abusing a 12-year-old altar server at St. Mary's in East Islip NY in 1968. Included on the St. Augustine diocese's list 11/6/2020 for abuse in 1969. Convicted in 1998 of abuse of boys in Ireland in 1976 and 1981-1983. On the Rockville Centre diocese's list in 3/2021 as Augustin Griffin OSF, for abuse alleged at St. Mary's in East Islip and St. Bernard in Levittown, no time-frame for the abuse shown. It does show that he was assigned 12/1985-6/18/1986 to St. Patrick's in Huntington and 6/18/86-unknown to St. Martin of Tours in Amityville. Died 8/9/2010 in Ireland.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Bishop Robert Eric Guglielmone

Ordained: 1978
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Ordained for the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Named bishop of Charleston, SC in 2009. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 of sexually abusing an eight-year-old boy in 1978-79, while assigned to St. Martin of Tours in Amityville, NY. Guglielmone denied the allegations. Announced he would "temporarily reduce his public presence" until the matter is resolved. Guglielmone announced in 12/20 that the Vatican had cleared him of wrongdoing.

Sources:

Fr. John P. Halpin

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1954
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act of abusing a child, ages 8-10, in 1972-73. The child attended St. Rosalie's in Hampton Bays. Halpin died 8/22/02.

Sources:

Long Island Weekly News 08.19.19

Fr. Michael R. Hands

Ordained: 1993
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Arrested in 5/01, charged with sexual abuse of a 13-year-old boy over a year and a half period. Also accused of abusing a a 22-year-old man about 10 years prior. Pled guilty in 2002-03 on two separate charges. Sentenced in 2003 to 2 years jail and to 6 months jail and 5 years probation. Released in 4/04; requested laicization. Identified as Priest W in Suffolk Co. Grand Jury report of 1/03. On NY Sex Offender Registry. Arrested in 7/17 related to report of abuse 7/24/17 of a teen boy in Charlton. Charges included sodomy, sex abuse and using a child in a sexual performance. Also accused of possession and distribution of child porn. Had been living at Easton Mountain Retreat, a center "created by gay men as a gift to the world," per its website. Guilty plea 1/18. Died in apparent suicide in jail 2/27/18. Included on the diocese's list of accused in 3/21.

Br. Harold Harvers

Order: OSF
Status: Sued

Died: 08/24/2004
Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

An 18-year-old graduate of St. Anthony High School in South Huntington, where Harvers taught, accused Harvers in a lawsuit in 1/95 of sexually harrassing and abusing her at the school three years prior. She said Harvers would brush up against her in the hallways, grab and kiss her. She also said he told her, among other things, that he was "having unholy thoughts about you." Harvers died 8/24/04. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 of abuse of a 12-year-old in 1969. The child was a St. Ignatius in Hicksville parishioner.

Sources:

Fr. Kenneth C. Hasselbach

Ordained: 1966
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Permanently removed in 1994 after accusations he abused two boys some 20 years prior. Allegations surfaced shortly after Hasselbach was sent for therapy because another priest had found pornography in his room. He admitted abusing a 12-year-old youth in 1974 but said the youth's version was exaggerated and he thought the youth was older than 12 or 13. Arrested in 1/09 in Ft. Lauderdale FL for possession of internet child pornography. Pleaded guilty; sentenced in 1/10 to two years in prison. Included on the diocese's list of accused in 3/21.

Assignments:

Sources:

Fr. George J. Hein

Ordained: 1954
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 3/21. Abuse allegedly occurred at his first assignment at Holy Name of Mary in Valley Stream, and at subsequent assignments in Wantagh and Hyde Park, at Immaculate Conception Seminary and at the Roosevelt Field Mall. Hein died 6/22/97.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. Robert D. Huneke

Order: SM
Ordained: 1969
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Former Notre Dame University rector. In 1980 a man reported to the Diocese abuse by Huneke for years, starting when he was age 13. He also notified the FL bishop where Huneke was working. FL sent him back to NY in 1982. His accuser went public in 1989 and again in 1993. Huneke left the priesthood in 1989. Two other accusers came forward in 1993. In 2002 the first accuser learned that Huneke was working as a high school guidance counselor in Atlanta and notified the Order that ran the school; Huneke was fired. He died 5/16/2002 at age 62. Identified as Priest M in the 2003 Suffolk Co. Grand Jury Report. A lawsuit was filed in 10/2018 by a man alleging he was sexually abused by Huneke at age 9 in 1981 while attending Christ the King church and school in Tampa. Included on the Rockville Centre diocese's list in 3/2021.

Fr. Richard Kammerer

Ordained: 1980
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Removed from active ministry in 11/18 due to allegations he engaged in sexual misconduct with children. Associate pastor at Corpus Christi parish in Mineola.

Sources:

News 12 Long Island 11.05.18

Fr. William R. Karvelis

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1961
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act of abuse 1968-70 of a boy ages 13-15. The abuse allegedly occurred at St. Patricks in Bay Shore and on trips to Karvelis' home.. Included in 3/21 on the diocese's list of accused, which notes alleged abuse at St. John Nepomucene in Bohemia, where he was assigned 1/80 until his death 7/28/93.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Long Island Weekly News 08.19.19
Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. Joseph F. X. Keyes

Ordained: 1941
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Assigned to parishes in Queens, Bellmore, Elmont, Greenlawn. Retired in 1989. Died 5/22/92. Accused in a lawsuit filed 6/12/19 of sexually abusing a girl, age 5 or 6, in 1970, while Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi in Greenlawn. The abuse allegedly occurred while the girl was attending a neighbor's son's First Communion celebration in Greenlawn. Keyes allegedly isolated the girl, then sexually assaulted her.

Sources:

Gallagher-Smith v Diocese of Rockville Centre et al 06.12.19

Fr. Joseph Kozlowski

Ordained: 1949
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 of abuse in 1991-92 of a boy, age 7, at St Hyacinth in Glen Head and at All Saints Regional Catholic School. Died 6/20/15.

Sources:

Fr. Joseph Lainesca

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1981
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 3/21. Allegedly abused at St. Boniface Martyr in Sea Cliff, where he was in residence 9/97-8/99 and working with the Haitian Community in Elmont and Uniondale.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. Frederick R. Learner

Donate Photo

Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as accused by the Rockville Centre diocese on its list in 3/21. Abuse allegedly occurred at Leisure Village. No time from shown.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Bishop Peter Anthony Libasci

Ordained: 1978
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Ordained in 1978 for the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Named Bishop of Manchester NH in 2011. Accused in a lawsuit filed July 14, 2021 of sexually abusing an altar boy in 1983 and 1984, while a Rockville Centre priest. Libasci was pastor of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Deer Park NY at the time in question, and the boy was a 12- or 13-year-old student at the parish school. Libasci denied the allegations. He continued in active ministry during an investigation launched by Boston's Archbishop O'Malley. Libasci's accuser died in 7/2024.

Sources:

Fr. William R. Logan

Ordained: 1969
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Accused of abuse of two girls 1970s-1980s. Placed on leave in 3/06. One woman tape-recorded a conversation with him just before his suspension. He denied all allegations. A parent came forward to say she had complained about his behavior to the Diocese in the early 1980s. Reinstated in 9/06 after review board could not substantiate complaints. Suit filed in 9/06. Both women filed criminal complaints in 2/07. Included in 3/21 on the diocese's list of accused. Abuse allegedly occurred at St. Lawrence the Martyr in Sayville, where Logan was assigned 6/69-2/75 and at St. James in Seaford, where he worked 6/80-6/85.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

NY Post 04.09.06
Newsday 04.09.06
Newsday 04.11.06
Newsday 09.15.06
WCBS 09.16.06
Newsday 09.30.06
Newsday 10.01.06
Newsday 02.27.07
Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.20

Br. Finian Magee

Order: OSF
Status: Sued

Died: 08/27/1993
Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Accused in a 4/03 civil suit of groping and rubbing against a 12-year-old boy in the early 1970s at St. Joseph's in Babylon. He was the boy's 6th grade homeroom teacher at the parish school. The abuse allegedly occurred in the classroom and in Magee's private school office. Died 8/27/93. (Name misspelled McGee in at least one news report.) Included in 3/21 on the Rockville Centre diocese's list of accused.

Assignments:

Sources:

Fr. John E. Mahoney

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1964
Status: Sued

Died: 12/15/2004
Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Accused in a 4/03 lawsuit of spanking and caressing the bare buttocks of a boy , age 11,on a trip to West Point in 1967. Later attempts to molest the boy "occurred in the sacristy, the bell tower and in defendant's car." At the time of the alleged abuse, was Director of the Capuchins' St Francis Retreat House, across the Hudson from West Point. For many years, celebrated Mass at St Barnabas. In addition to the Rockville Centre diocese and the NY archdiocese, Mahoney was assigned to a parish in the Manchester NH diocese 1990-94. Died 12/15/04. Named in two suits 8/19: claims of abuse 1971-74 of a St. Barnabas student, ages 11-14. (Plaintiff also accused Rev. Edward R. Andrea of abuse 1975-78.); claims of abuse in 1968 of an altar boy, age 10, at St. Barnabas. On the RVC diocese's list in 3/21, noting abuse allegedly occurring many locations.

Assignments:

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Deacon William D. Mahoney

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1979
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Permanent deacon. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act of abusing a child, ages 9-13, in 1983-86. The child attended St. Ignatius Loyola in Hicksville. Went on to ordination as an Episcopal priest. Retired to Iowa. Mahoney died 3/18/19.

Sources:

Fr. Gabriel Massaro

Donate Photo

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1966
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Massaro, founder and longtime head of Youth Ministry program for Northeast province of the Capuchins, was accused in 2002 of molesting several boys, including one in Long Island and one from Queens, a number of years previously. He was removed from his assignment in New Hampshire (no claims of offense there) and placed on leave. Remained a priest without privileges.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record and Other Info

Sources:

Fr. John H. McCabe

Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 3/21. Abuse allegedly occurred at St. Bernard in Levittown, where he was assigned starting in 1989. He died in 1/21.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. Joseph C. McComiskey

Ordained: 1970
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Pastor of St. Edward the Confessor, Syosset, when forced to retire in 2002 due to an allegation was made to the diocese's sex abuse hotline. Lawsuit filed in 8/19 claimed abuse by McComiskey of a 16-year-old in 1976 at St. James and Phillip in St. James, and during a camping trip. Included on the diocese's list in 3/21, noting abuse allegedly occurring at St. Joseph's in Babylon, where he was assigned 6/70-9/75, at a private home on Long Island and at a hotel in Zurich, Switzerland.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record and Other Info
Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Newsday 06.28.02
Long Island Weekly News 08.19.19
Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. R. Thomas McConaghy

Order: FSC
Ordained: 1981
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Accused of abuse of a student at a military academy in New York state 1973-1975, prior to ordination. Ordained for the Diocese of Norwich CT; Norwich informed the Rockville Centre diocese of the abuse allegation. Removed from ministry in 2005. Norwich diocese's list 2/10/19.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record and Other Info

Sources:

Bishop John R. McGann

Ordained: 1950
Status: Sued

Died: 01/29/2002
Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Auxiliary Bishop of Rockville Centre 1970-1976. Bishop of Rockville Centre 1976-2000. Died in 2002. In 2/2019 two women publicly alleged that McGann sexually abused them when they were girls in the 1960s and 1970s. One woman said McGann was a monsignor when she was abused by him, Msgr. Edward L. Melton and Rev. Robert L. Brown while all were at St. Agnes in Rockville Centre. The other accuser said Msgrs. McGann, Melton and Mr. John Hanlon, the St. Agnes parish janitor, abused her. Both women said that, when they were 11 in 1967, they were fondled while passed around the laps of priests at a Christmas party in the rectory. In 10/2019 two women and a man filed suit alleging abuse as children by McGann.

Sources:

Fr. John J. McGeever

Ordained: 1968
Status: Accused

Died: 01/21/1993
Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Brother of Mercy prior to ordination to priesthood. Assigned to parishes in Huntington, New Hyde Park, Mineola, and to St. Agnes Cathedral. Pastor of St. Joachim's in Cedarhurst when he died 1/21/1993. In 2014 a man told the diocese McKeever sexually abused him, including sodomy, for two years starting in 1981 when he was a 10-year-old St. Agnes Cathedral altar boy. Another man alleged in 11/2017 that McGeever sexually abused him beginning at age 14, 1983-1993. McGeever reportedly paid the boy to do work around the church, asked him to help him shower so he wouldn't fall, and told the boy he would be sent to foster care if he told. Allegedly abused at parishes in Rockville Centre, Mineaola and Cedarhurst. Included on the diocese's list in 3/2021.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Fr. Brian A. McKeon

Ordained: 1977
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Sexually abused at least nine boys. Admitted to a journalist in 3/02 that he "made a mistake" by inappropriately touching young boys over ten years prior. Twenty years prior he reportedly told his supervising priest he was inappropriate with a teen, but nothing done. Abused a boy in 1987. The boy died and McKeon presided at the funeral, then went on to abuse the victim's brother. The family later found out and went to Msgr. Placa. Sent to treatment in Canada in 1998 after more allegations. Reassigned. In 2001 the family of the deceased boy saw McKeon marching in parade as police chaplain. Removed from active ministry in 2001. Known to have problems with alcohol. Laicized in 2003. Died suddenly in 4/09 in FL. Identified as Priest C in 2003 Grand Jury report. On diocese's list in 3/21.

Assignments:

Sources:

Fr. Edward L. Melton

Ordained: 1954
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Monsignor. Accused in 2/19 by two women who said the were abused as children in the 1960s and 1970s by Melton, Msgr. John McGann (later bishop), and Rev. Robert L. Brown while all were assigned to St. Agnes parish. One of the women said she was also abused by John Hanlon, the parish janitor. Both women said that in one incident in 1967, when they were age 11, they were fondled when passed around the laps of the priests in the rectory at a Christmas party. Melton is deceased. The women and the brother of one of them filed suit against the diocese in 10/19, claiming abuse as children by the St. Agnes staff members.

Assignments:

BishopAccountability.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Fr. George J. Michell

Ordained: 1964
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Placed on leave in 2003 after recent revelation of of "inappropriate conduct" in the early 1980s. Michell denied the accusation. Reinstated. Retired as pastor of St. Patrick's in Southold in 6/10. As of 2012, he is shown as Pastor Emeritus and is still presiding at funerals and other events. Included on the diocese's list of accused in 3/21, noting abuse allegedly occurring at St. Patrick's in Smithtown, where he was assigned 1979-85, among other places. Died 8/18/19.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Newsday 06.15.03
Suffolk Times 05.27.10
Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. Andrew L. Millar

Ordained: 1958
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Ordained in Ireland. Worked in Rockville Centre beginning in 1964. Retired in 1999. Arrested 5/00 on charges that he sexually abused a 15-year-old learning disabled/developmentally delayed youth in a bathroom. Pleaded guilty and sentenced to 1-3 years in prison in 11/00. A 17-year-old altar boy complained in 1999 that Millar had abused him in 1991. Millar was sent for treatment and "retired." At least three other complaints made after 1995. Priest V in the Suffolk Co. Grand Jury Report. Laicized. Included on the diocese's list in 3/21.

Assignments:

Sources:

Fr. James C. Miller

Ordained: 1983
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Miller and the Rockville Centre Diocese were sued in 1994, with claims that Miller sexually abused two teenage boys. After complaint, Miller was removed from working with children and sent to Catholic University in Washington DC to study canon law. Case settled (and sealed); per sources, diocese made cash settlement and agreed to pay for counseling. Miller said suit was settled without his permission. He denied the allegations. Included on the diocese's list in 3/21, noting abuse allegedly occurred at St. John the Baptist High School, where he was assigned beginning in 1986.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record and Other Info
Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Newsday 03.13.02
Newsday 03.19.02
Times Beacon Record 02.21.18
Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. Salvatore J. Miraglia

Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Per 2002 news articles, Miraglia left a Long Island parish in 1982 after a complaint that he asked teenage boys to disrobe. He ended up at some point in active ministry in Pompano Beach, FL. Placed on leave in 4/02. Not indexed in the Catholic Directory after 2002. In 2020 may still be living in FL. Included in 3/21 on the Diocese of Rockville Centre's list of accused, which notes abuse allegedly occurred at St. William the Abbot in Seaford, where he was assigned 4/75-11/79 and at Our Holy Redeemer in Freeport, where he worked 11/79-5/82.

Assignments:

Sources:

Fr. Thomas Morrin

Donate Photo

Order: OMI
Ordained: 1939
Status: Accused

Died: 07/27/1967
Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as accused by the Rockville Centre diocese on its list of accused in 3/21. Per the list, the abuse occurred at a private home on Long Island. No time-frame shown. Worked in MA, NC, VA, OH, NY. Died 7/27/67 in Boston.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Fr. John D. Mott

Ordained: 1956
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Monsignor. Allegedly abused a 15-year-old girl in the 1960s. She filed a civil suit in 1994. At least four other women later came forward with similar complaints, after which Mott took a six-month leave. He underwent psychiatric evaluation twice, and each time was found to not be in need of counseling. Suit dropped 1995 due to SOL. Two of the women filed suit in 1997; suit dismissed 1998. Diocese settled with both women. Died in 6/9/99. Accused in a suit filed in 8/19 of abuse of a boy, ages 9-10, in 1958-1961. The boy attended St. Raphael's in East Meadow. Included on the diocese's list of accused in 3/21.

Assignments:

Sources:

Fr. Joseph T. Mundy

Ordained: 1981
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

A religious educator suspected during a church retreat in 1994 that a 14-year-old former altar boy was being groomed for sex by Mundy. She reported the matter to Msgr. Alan Placa (later accused of abuse himself). The boy's mother and parish were protective of the priest, so the boy didn't disclose until 2002, when he was age 21, that Mundy sexually abused him. In one incident, he said that when he was 14, Mundy took him to a gay nightclub, plied him with alcohol and pressured him to have sex. Mundy would take the boy on ski trips to concerts, and Broadway shows. The boy slept over in the rectory every Saturday night. The alleged victim claimed that Mundy also abused his close friend. Mundy refused to go for treatment to St. Luke's but did agree to private counseling on Long Island. He eventually left the priesthood. He was identified as Priest A in the 2003 Grand Jury Report. Included in 3/21 on the diocese's list of accused.

Assignments:

Sources:

Br. Bryan Robert Murphy

Order: OSF
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 9/19 of sexually abusing a girl, ages 15-17, during 1992-94. The girl was a student at St. Anthony's High School in South Huntington, where Murphy was assigned. Murphy hired the girl to do maintenance work at the high school and to work in the summers of 1993 and 1994 at Camp Alvernia in Centerport, where he was Director. Accused in a suit in 8/20 of sexually abusing another girl, age 17, in 1995 at Camp Alvernia. Left the order in 2001. In 2015 was named Pres and CEO of a social service agency serving families and children in Westchester County NY.

Sources:

Br. Howard Murphy

Order: FMS
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Murphy, a teacher and guidance counselor at St. Mary's High School in Manhasset in 1984, was named as a defendant in one of two civil suits filed in 4/03. Suits contain allegations for the first time against 9 priests and brothers. Abuse by Murphy is alleged to have occurred in 1984 during a retreat in upstate New York. Sexual and psychological abuse alleged. Included in 3/21 on the diocese's list of accused.

Assignments:

Sources:

Fr. John T. Murphy

Donate Photo

Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act of abusing a child, ages 10-12, in 1963-65. The child was a student at Holy Family in Hicksville.

Sources:

Long Island Weekly News 08.19.19

Fr. Thomas F. Murphy

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1970
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 3/21. Abuse allegedly occurred at St. Dominic's in Oyster Bay, where he was assigned 5/79-6/87.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. John G. Murray

Donate Photo

Order: CSsR
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as accused by the Rockville Centre diocese on its list in 3/21, noting he was assigned in the diocese 1964-66 and that the abuse allegedly occurred at a private house in Point Lookout. He was assigned to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Point Lookout 9/64-/9/65.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. Kenneth T. Nee

Ordained: 1953
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Faculties removed in 2002 due to allegations of sexual misconduct with a teenager in the 1960s. Died 2/19/06. Accused in a lawsuit in 8/19 of of abuse of a child, ages 8-10, in 1991-93. The child attended Our Lady Fatima in Port Washington. Included in 3/21 on the diocese's list of accused, noting abuse allegedly occurring at Our Holy Redeemer in Freeport, where he 1962-79.

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Sources:

Fr. Louis I. Newman

Ordained: 1958
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Retired in 2002. Reportedly, his priestly faculties were removed because of allegations of sexual misconduct. He had been working in the San Diego diocese for at least 10 years, having left Rockville Centre in the late 1980s. Died 12/2/11. Included in 3/21 on the Rockville Centre diocese's list of accused, which notes abuse allegedly occurring at a private house and in Newman's car. No time-frame shown.

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Sources:

Fr. Joseph Nohs

Ordained: 1993
Status: Suspended

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Suspended in 3/2022 while investigated by the Nassau County D.A.'s office for possible child pornography possession. Assigned at the time of his suspension to St. Bernard's in Levittown.

Sources:

Fr. Robert J. O’Connell

Ordained: 1970
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 3/21. It notes abuse allegedly occurring at St. Barnabas in Bellmore, where O'Connell was assigned 10/70-4/77, at a retreat house in upstate NY and in O'Connell's car. He was pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Patchogue 6/89 until his death 3/27/07.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. Michael J. O’Farrell

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1943
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act of abusing a child, ages 8-10, in 1967-69. The child attended St. Anne's in Brentwood.

Sources:

Long Island Weekly News 08.19.19

Fr. Michael J. O’Leary

Donate Photo

Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 3/21. Abuse allegedly occurred at a hotel in Jay Peak, VT. No time frame shown. Appears to have worked in the diocese 1966-76.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. Joseph O’Nolan

Donate Photo

Order: OCarm
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as accused by the Rockville Centre diocese on its list in 3/21. It notes alleged abuse occurring at a private house in Amityville. He was assigned to St. Martin in Amityville Summers 1972-74 and to St. Louis de Montfort in Sound Beach 9/74-11/76.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. Frank J. Parisi

Ordained: 1985
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes in Malverne NY for 11 years. Suspended in 6/16 due to allegation of "inappropriate behavior with a minor " 20 years previously at another parish.

Sources:

Fr. Harold Hugh Paul

Ordained: 1957
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as credibly accused by Attorney Mitchell Garabedian 5/1/19. Accused of having sexually abused a 10-year-old boy in 1961. Paul died 8/13/07. Per his obituary, he was laicized in 8/68 and went on to marry and raise a family. Included in 3/21 on the Rockville diocese's list of accused. Allegedly abuse at St. Joseph's in Hewlett, where he was assigned 6/57-6/63 and at Holy Family in Hicksville, where he worked 6/63-6/64.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Sweet’s Funeral Home 08.13.07
News 12 Long Island 05.01.19
Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. Steven J. Peterson

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1973
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Agreed to step down in 4/19 pending the investigation of an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor more than 40 years prior. The allegation was received by the diocese via the IRCP (Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program). A lawsuit was filed in 8/19, claiming he abused a boy, ages 10-16 in 1972-78. The abuse allegedly occurred at Good Shepherd in Holbrook, St. Joseph's in Ronkonkoma, during counseling and visits to a juvenile detention center, where the boy was living.

Sources:

Fr. Adam Joseph Pfundstein

Ordained: 1925
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Monsignor. Parish priests, diocesan director of camps. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 3/21. Abuse allegedly occurred at Notre Dame in New Hyde Park, where Pfundstein was pastor 6/48 until his death 8/11/73.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. Alan J. Placa

Ordained: 1970
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Placa, an attorney and former vice chancellor of the Rockville Centre diocese, was for years the diocese's chief contact with victims. Resigned in 2002 after police investigated allegations. Accused of sexually abusing boys in the 1970s at St. Pius X Preparatory Seminary in Uniondale. Identified as Priest F in the 2002 report of the Grand Jury investigation of the Rockville Centre Diocese. Close friends with former NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani; worked at Giuliani's law firm. Fully restored to active (retired) status in 12/2009 after a review by the Vatican found him to be not guilty of the allegation of sexual abuse of a minor. Named in lawsuits filed in 8/2019 under the NY Child Victims Act by two former St. Pius X students.

Fr. Henry J. Reel

Ordained: 1934
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Monsignor. Pastor of St. Aloysius in Great Neck 1961-84, then Pastor Emeritus until his death in 2/90. Included in 3/21 on the diocese's list of accused. Abuse allegedly occurred at St. Aloysius, Jones Beach, a boys' camp, Reel's car and at Immaculate Conception Seminary, where he was assigned 1939-57.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21
St Aloysius Parish History accessed 05.13.21

Fr. William J. Remey

Ordained: 1953
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 3/21. Allegedly abused at St. Pius X Preparatory Seminary in Uniondale, where he was assigned beginning in 1960. Died 4/18/88. (Not to be confused with Msgr. William J. Remey of NY, who died in 1979.)

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. Charles A. Ribaudo

Ordained: 1967
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Monsignor. Placed on leave, then "retired" in 2002 after allegation that he had molested Michael Hands as a high school student. Hands went on to become a priest and in 2002 pled guilty to abusing a teenage boy. Hands claimed that a church official offered him cash if he promised to keep quiet about charges against Ribaudo, one of the diocese's best fund-raisers. Ribaudo, Priest O in the Suffolk County Grand Jury Report, admitted in therapy that he had abused "at least 12 boys." Died 8/13/16. Lawsuits filed in 8/19: claims of abuse of a 17-year-old, who was a student at Holy Trinity in Hicksville, 4/69-6/69; claims of abuse of a child, ages 15-16, at Holy Trinity High School in 1977. Included on the diocese's list of accused in 3/21.

Fr. Brendan P. Riordan

Ordained: 1970
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Monsignor. A child molestation suit settled in 1995 named Riordan and three other priests. Plaintiff alleged abuse at House of Affirmation in the Worcester diocese. Riordan denied any sexual involvement with the plaintiff. He served on the board of Community Organization for Parents and Youth (COPAY), a Long Island nonprofit that counseled drug-addicted teens. COPAY denied current affiliation. Riordan was appointed pastor of St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Great Neck in 1998, where he remained until his retirement in 2015. Moved to Florida.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record and Other Info

Sources:

Fr. Ernest E. Robinson

Ordained: 1979
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Name released by law firm 3/1/18. Likely "Priest K" in the 2003 Suffolk County GJ report, who admitted to a victim in a secret recording in 1998 to abusing him as a boy during his first assignment. Victim sued, received $160K settlement. "Priest K" was later accused of abuse of another boy, whose father complained to the diocese. Claims settled in 2/18 through the IRCP. Accused of abuse of an altar boy in about 1980, when assigned to a Greenlawn, NY parish. Abuse reported to diocese the day it happened and multiple times thereafter. Robinson remained in ministry until 2006. Thought to be "many other" victims. Convicted in 2007 of sexually abusing a male minor in MA in 2006. On CT sex offender registry in 2/18. On Rockville Centre diocese's list in 3/21.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Br. Francis Rowles

Order: OSF
Status: Accused

Died: 11/12/2019
Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

"Brother Fran." Entered the OSF order in 1961. Taught at Bishop Ford HS and Our Lady of Angels School in Brooklyn, St. Anthony's HS. Music Director for several parishes, local college teacher and faculty of NY archdiocese's School of Liturgical Music. Directed community and high school musicals. Named publicly as accused on the Rockville Centre diocese's list in 3/21. Allegedly abused at St. Joseph's in Kings Park, Franciscan Friary in Kings Park, St. Anthony High on Long Island, Philadelphia PA, Washington DC, CA, FL, VT, Bahamas. Died 11/12/19.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Fr. Bernard J. Ryan

Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Monsignor. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 3/21. Abuse allegedly occurred at Mary Immaculate in Bellport, where he was pastor 1977-2002.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. Robert J. Saccacio

Ordained: 1961
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Placed on leave and then "retired" in 5/02, after allegations he abused a teenager in the 1960s. Faculties removed. Named in one of two multimillion dollar suits filed against the diocese in 4/03, with claims he abused an altar boy in the 1970s. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 of abuse 1973-75 of a boy ages 12-14. The boy attended St. John of God in Central Islip. Included on the diocese's list in 3/21, which notes alleged abuse at parishes in Hicksville, Greenlawn and Central Islip, among other places.

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Fr. Thomas G. Saloy

Ordained: 1988
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Arrested 11/17/06 after amyear-long investigation of Saloy's activity in internet chat rooms. The investigation began when the arrest of a porn dealer revealed that Saloy was a customer. Pled guilty on 11/30/06 to possessing over 600 images of child pornography on his rectory computer. Sentenced to 3 1/2 years in federal prison 5/1/08.

Sources:

Fr. Severino A. Scala

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1953
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 3/21. Allegedly abused at St. Vincent de Paul in Elmont, where he was assigned 10/56-10/66. Appears to have begun his priesthood in the Archdiocese of Miami FL in 1953 or '54, arriving in the Diocese of Rockville Centre in 1955. Per the Catholic Directories, Scala was on sick leave 1973-79, then retired. He died 1/10/86.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. Richard J. Schaefer

Ordained: 1958
Status: Sued

Died: 04/10/1998
Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Ordained for the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 2003 of abusing a boy on many occasions over three years in the early 1960s, beginning when the boy was age 10. From 1958-1961 Schaefer was in charge of a group of young boys who wanted to be priests at Philip Neri in Northport, NY. His accuser alleged that Schaefer also abused five other boys in the group and that he was transferred after parents complained. Schaeffer's last assignment in the diocese ended 5/15/1962. He was assigned in 9/1962 to a parish in the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston WV. The Official Catholic Directory shows was absent on leave from Rockville Centre 1962-1969. Named publicly as accused on the Wheeling-Charleston diocese's list in late 2018, which notes allegations beginning in 1986 of abuse by Schaefer throughout his career. Faculties suspended 4/10/1986. Died 4/10/1998. Included in 3/2021 on the Rockville Centre diocese's list of accused.

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Fr. Thaddeus J. Semla

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1963
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

From Poland, where he was ordained. Appears to have arrived in the Diocese of Rockville Centre in 1972. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 3/21. Allegedly abused at St. Dominic Parish High School in Oyster Bay. He was assigned to the parish 6/90-6/92. Died 9/28/92.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. Donald R. Shane

Ordained: 1954
Status: Accused

Died: 05/13/2003
Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 3/2021. Allegedly abused at St. Kilian's in Farmingdale, where he was assigned 8/1974-3/1985. Died 5/13/2003.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. Augustine J. Sheehan

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

From Ireland, where he was ordained. Arrived in the Rockville Centre diocese in 1964. Included on the diocese's list of accused in 3/21. Abuse allegedly occurred in Sheehan's car in Suffolk County, Long Island. No time frame shown. Sheehan was suspended in 2002 after a woman alleged that he raped her in his car in 1965, when she was a young adult. The woman went public with the allegation in 2004. Sheehan died 8/2/16.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Newsday 05.19.04
Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. Daniel P. Sheridan

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1979
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 3/21. Allegedly abused at Maria Regina Church in Seaford, where he was assigned as a deacon 1/78-5/79, and in a hotel room in Rome, Italy.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. William V. Singleton

Ordained: 1950
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Monsignor. Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 3/21. Allegedly abuse at St. Raymond's in East Rockaway, where he was pastor beginning in 4/77 and was pastor emeritus from 6/95 until his death 10/23/12.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

LiHerald 06.02.05
Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sister De Neri

Donate Photo

Order: RSM
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as accused by the Rockeville Centre diocese on its list in 3/21. Allegedly abused at St. Joseph's in Babylon. Time-frame not shown.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. James G. Smith

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1951
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Ordained for the Diocese of Brooklyn. Became a priest of the Diocese of Rockville Centre when it was created in 1957. Named publicly as accused by the Rockville Centre diocese on its list in 3/21. Allegedly abused at a private home on Long Island. No time frame shown. Assigned to St. Brigid's in Westbury 7/51-1/69, St. Mary in East Islip 1/69-3/74 and to Immaculate Conception Seminary in Huntington beginning in 4/75.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. Alfred B. Soave

Ordained: 1948
Status: Sued

Died: 03/11/1999
Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named in one of two 2003 lawsuits against the diocese. Believed to be Priest T in the 1/2003 Grand Jury report, which said he had a number of victims. Died in 1999. Accused of fondling a 13-year old altar boy in the late 1970s. Sent for therapy. Given title of Vicar for Senior Priests in 1988 when it was recommended that he not return to active ministry. Accused in lawsuits 8/2019: of abuse of a St. Hugh's in Huntington Station altar boy, ages 10-14 in 1979-1983; of abuse, along with Rev. William Burke, of abuse at St. Andrew's in Sag Harbor of a child, ages 8-14, 1974-1979. Included in 3/2021 on the diocese's list of accused.

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Fr. Raymond V. Stegmann

Ordained: 1950
Status: Sued

Died: 06/9/2000
Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Monsignor. Stegmann (or Stegman) was named as an abuser in one of two lawsuits filed in 2003 against the Rockville Centre diocese and numerous priests. Accused of fondling and sodomizing a 17-year-old sacristan on several occasions. Died 6/9/2000. Included on the Brooklyn diocese's list in 2/2019 (name spelled Stegman). On Rockville Centre's list in 3/2021. It notes abuse allegedly occurring at St. Gertrude's in Bayville, where he was assigned from 6/1978, St. Boniface in Elmong, where he was assigned from 6/1950, at a Stegmann family home in Valley Stream, in local hotels and on out-of-state trips.

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Fr. Walter Ladislaus Swietek

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1962
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

From Poland. Arrived in the U.S. in 1971. Named publicly as accused by the Rockville Centre diocese on its list in 3/21. Allegedly abused at a private home in Levittown. No time frame shown. By 1986 Swietek was assigned in the Diocese of Venice FL. Died in FL 4/16/09.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

News-Press [Fort Myers] 05.02.87
Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. Theodore Tsiakalos

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1948
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as accused by the Rockville Centre diocese on its list in 3/21 (name misspelled Tziakalos.) Abuse allegedly occurred in Tziakolos' car; he was assigned 1/60-7/63 to St. Anthony's in Oceanside. Tsiakalos was a priest of the Diocese of Grand Rapids, MI, sent quietly in 1950 or 1951 to the Diocese of Brooklyn. He may have been in the Rockville Centre diocese through 1972.

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Sources:

Fr. Gerald S. Twomey

Ordained: 1981
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Twomey was placed on leave without privileges after the diocese received an allegation on 5/31/07 that he had abused a 10-year-old boy 1994-95. Both the diocese and police investigated. Twomey denied all allegations. He was arrested in 3/08 for the alleged abuse of an adult male in 2006. Included in 3/21 on the diocese's list of accused. Abuse allegedly occurred at St. Anne's in Brentwood, where he was assigned 6/94-6/05, St. John's in Bohemia, where he was assigned 6/81-6/85, St. Francis Hospital, where he worked 6/88-2/90, among other places.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Fr. Nicholas J. Unterstein

Ordained: 1966
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Two sisters accused Unterstein of sexually abusing them for several years when they were teenagers in the late 1960s-early 1970s. One of them filed a suit which settled in 2000. Reportedly he was "defrocked for unknown reasons in 1980." Included in 3/21 on the diocese's list of accused. It notes alleged abuse occurred in private homes on Long Island and at St. Hugh of Lincoln, where Unterstein was assigned beginning in 1966.

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Sources:

Fr. John P. Vitsas

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1946
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Named publicly as accused on the diocese on its list in 3/21. Abuse allegedly occurred at St. Ignatius Loyola in Hicksville, where Vitsas was assigned 3/59-2/73. Died 1/9/98.

Assignments:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Sources:

Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21

Fr. Eugene Vollmer

Ordained: 1978
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Accused by two people in 3/02. Both said they had previously reported abuse to the diocese, but nothing was done. One said he reported abuse when it occurred and again in 1991. Another said he reported it in 1994. Vollmer still active until 2002. He was identified as Priest D in the 1/03 Grand Jury report. He admitted to at least 12 victims, according to the report. Vollmer would supply wine, marijuana and porn videos. Laicized 6/16/04. Died in 2016. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 of abusing a 16-year-old parishioner of St. Joseph's in Ronkonkoma in 1975. Included on the diocese's list of accused in 3/21.

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Fr. James C. Williams

Order: SM
Ordained: 1998
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Suspended from ministry in 5/16 by Order due to credible allegation he sexually abused a boy, who was a Chaminade High School student, in 2011. Williams was on staff 1991-2012, and President for 12 years until he resigned in 2011. Denied the abuse. Order notified the diocese. Law enforcement was notified in 2/15. Statute of limitations expired in 2013. Per his LinkedIn account 9/18 he was in the Greater NYC Area, having been a PhD student at the U. of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome 8/12-7/16. Accused in a lawsuit 8/19 of abuse of a Chaminade student, ages 14-16, in 1990-93.

Sources:

Fr. Gregory Yacyshyn

Ordained: 1998
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre NY

Accused in a 1/15 lawsuit of sexually abusing an 8-year-old girl in 2003 while assigned to St. Francis of Assisi in Greenlawn, NY. The girl's family reported the alleged abuse to the Diocese and law enforcement; the Diocese did not inform the parish or public and kept Yacyshyn in ministry. The Diocese deemed the allegations unsubstantiated and called the claim an "unfortunate publicity stunt." A New York Supreme Court judge ruled in 12/15 that the lawsuit could proceed. A second accuser filed suit in 4/25/16, alleging sexual abuse when he was 5- to 7-years-old in 2001-2003 at St. Francis of Assisi in Greenlawn. Yacyshyn denied the allegations. Working at St. Jude's in Mastic Beach in 4/16.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

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