DA: No evidence of abuse against Rome priest, by Micaela Parker, Observer-Dispatch (December 13, 2016)

DA: No evidence of abuse against Rome priest

By Micaela Parker
Observer-Dispatch
December 13, 2016

http://www.uticaod.com/news/20161213/da-no-evidence-of-abuse-against-rome-priest

While the Rome Catholic Diocese of Syracuse declines to elaborate on nearly 30-year-old abuse allegations levied against a local priest, Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick said Tuesday the conduct reported to his office never alleged any physical contact.

The Rev. Paul Angelicchio, pastor of St. John the Baptist and Transfiguration parish in Rome, was placed on administrative leave following a 27-year-old allegation of abuse of a minor, according to information previously released by the diocese. Angelicchio told his parish he would be taking leave during the Nov. 19-20 weekend Masses. The diocese noted that while the allegation has not been substantiated, Angelicchio is not permitted to "publicly function" as a priest until the matter is resolved, in keeping with the policy and practice of the diocese.

"It was never alleged that Father Angelicchio had any physical contact with anyone, despite the impression given by the original article," Fitzpatrick wrote in an email. "It was alleged that he was aware of sexual abuse committed in his presence and did nothing to prevent it, conduct which if true would constitute a misdemeanor."

Additionally, Fitzpatrick wrote that his office's investigation revealed the following information:

* The conduct attributed to Angelicchio "had never been mentioned before despite a number of interviews by the complainant," whom the office declined to identify.

* There were "no corroborating witnesses, no admissions, a denial by Father Angelicchio, no crime scene and no physical evidence."

* Angelicchio "posed no danger to minors in his presence."

As a result, the office closed its investigation and referred the matter to the diocese, Fitzpatrick wrote.