WHEC [Gates NY]
May 17, 2006
http://www.10nbc.com/news.asp?template=item&story_id=18863
A Roman Catholic priest from Gates is accused of sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl.
Gates police arrested Reverend John Steger Wednesday afternoon. He's been the pastor of St. Jude the Apostle Church in Gates for nearly 40-years. Steger is charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of a child and two counts of sexual abuse. Rev. Steger has been placed on administrative leave pending the sexual abuse charges involving a 12-year old girl.
NEWS10 NBC learned Pastor Steger is about to celebrate his 80th birthday with more than 700 people next week. People in the community said these allegations won't stop them from celebrating with him. Paulette Kryk said her 9-year-old daughter Celina is an alter server during Steger's Sunday mass. "I can not imagine that this man could be connected to any type of abuse situation," said Kryk.
 |
| John Steger |
Gates Police Chief Tom Roche held a news conference Wednesday to announce the arrest of Pastor Steger, a man who works with the Gates Fire Department and literally helped build St. Judes. "The police investigation rose to a level of probable cause" said Chief Roche.
Officials said a 12-year-old girl told her parents Steger inappropriately touched her while she was doing assigned chores in a private area of the rectory, located right next door to St. Judes. The alleged crimes happened in late April and early May. Chief Roche says it was a good thing the child in this case had a good rapport with her parents, because that isn't often today.
Bob O'Connor owns Logans Party House on Scottsville Road. That's where Steger's 80th birthday party is planned for next Sunday. O'Connor said Steger has been a patron there for fifty years. "I'm just shocked. I can't believe it. Reading about all the other priests, I just hope it's not true," said O'Connor.
Steger is also an elected official. He's Commissioner of the Gates Fire District. The department's attorney said that because the charges are misdemeanors his position there wouldn't be affected.
NEWS10 NBC tried to contact Steger's Attorney, John Speranza, but didn't hear back.
Meanwhile, anyone who feels they've been a victim of abuse is asked to call St. Jude's or the police immediately.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.