NY Deacon Removed Following Abuse Allegations

Northjersey.com
September 29, 2013

http://www.northjersey.com/news/national/225736591_NY_deacon_removed_following_abuse_allegations.html

CROTON-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. (AP) — The Archbishop of New York has permanently removed from ministry the deacon of a suburban New York parish following sexual abuse allegations.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan said in a letter read Sunday in the Holy Name of Mary Parish in Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y., that Deacon Albert Mazza was removed after law enforcement referred allegations he'd abused minors years ago. Mazza has served as permanent deacon since 1996.

Dolan described the allegations as substantiated and credible.

He said the Westchester County district attorney's office referred the claims to the archdiocese several months ago but criminal charges were precluded by state law. A spokesman for the district attorney's office said the statute of limitations had run out.

Mazza was on administrative duty since the allegations surfaced.

A number registered to Mazza was disconnected Sunday.