NJ survivor of alleged sex abuse sues church for letting predatory priest lead youth group

By Christie Duffy
WPIX TV
March 11, 2019

https://bit.ly/2XL3idH

Attorney Gregory Gianforcaro said he and his old client, known only as Mr. X, met with the Archdiocese of Newark on October 24, 2003, to detail allegations of sexual abuse by Father Kevin Gugliotta.

Mr. X did not want money. He wanted Father Gugliotta to be kept away from kids.

Instead, Gugliotta was assigned to St. Bartholomew the Apostle in Scotch Plains, less than 2.5 miles from Mr. X's home.

It took Gugliotta less than one year to meet his next alleged victim.

"I don’t understand what the problem is with this Catholic Church," exclaimed Gianforcaro. "After the warning — he was made head of youth ministry."

That's where he met Richard Roe.

Richard Roe is an alias. His real name has not been disclosed.

Roe was 11 years old in 2004, when he claims Father Gugliotta forced him to participate in oral sex, fondling and masturbation on trips and on church property.

His mother just found out a year ago. Roe is now 26.

"We were just both in shock and dismay of what happened," she said.

Gugliotta was later transferred to a parish in Mahwah, New Jersey.

"The younger the victim is the much harder it is for them to come forward," said Mark Crawford, head of New Jersey Survivors of those Abused by Priests.

In 2016, Pennsylvania authorities charged Father Gugliotta with 20 unrelated counts of child pornography.

He went to prison for less than two years. And now — he’s out.

"To other parents, be very vigilant," said Roe's mother.

Today, Roe filed suit against the Catholic Church for negligence and fraud. Gianforcaro will also serve as his attorney.

"Remove the faculties of Archbishop [John J.] Myers," exclaimed Gianforcaro. "That's what I’m calling for today."

"Because Kevin Gugliatta should have never, ever have been apart of my clients’ life."