Accused N.Y. Priest Is Working for Giuliani:
Was barred from ministry after abuse allegations

Associated Press (From the Baltimore Sun)
February 2, 2003

http://www.newsday.com/templates/misc/printstory.jsp?slug=bal%2Dte%2Epriest02feb02&section=%2Fnews%2Fnationworld

NEW YORK - A priest who was barred from the ministry after he was accused of sexual abuse has been working for former Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani's consulting business, according to reports published yesterday.

Monsignor Alan Placa, an old friend of Giuliani's, has been working for Giuliani Partners about three days a week since August.

When first contacted at Giuliani Partners on Friday, Placa claimed that he was merely visiting, Newsday reported. But Giuliani spokeswoman Sunny Mindel later confirmed to Newsday and The New York Times that he worked there.

"He's a very prominent guy and an incredibly learned man and able man," Mindel said.

In April, Bishop William Murphy of the Diocese of Rockville Centre removed Placa, 58, from a panel investigating clerical sexual abuse after several families claimed that Placa had used his role as a spiritual adviser to get information from victims that would bolster the diocese's legal position. Placa has denied the accusation.

In June, Murphy placed Placa on leave after allegations surfaced that he molested a teen-age seminarian about 25 years ago. An investigation by the Nassau County district attorney has not been completed.

Giuliani has steadfastly supported Placa, who received permission to preside over the funeral of the former mayor's mother in September.

Giuliani has said his consulting firm primarily would help companies and governments improve security procedures. He left office at the end of 2001 after he was barred by term limits from running for a third term.

A call to the diocese early yesterday went unanswered. The Times said Placa could not immediately be reached for comment. He has previously denied the allegations of sexual abuse.