Priest on leave after 3 claim sex abuse that happened decades ago

MIDDLESEX (NJ)
NJ.com

February 27, 2018

By Amanda Hoover

Three people have accused a priest of sexually abusing them as minors in cases that date back decades, to before the man was a priest, the Metuchen Diocese has announced.

In a letter released online Sunday to parishioners of Our Lady of Mount Virgin in Middlesex, Metuchen Bishop James Checchio announced the suspension of Father Patrick Kuffner while an investigation into the alleged abuse ensues.

“I am deeply shocked and saddened at this development, and I have a heavy heart for the individuals who came forward after many years of having carried such a tremendous burden,” he wrote.

The allegations stem from Kuffner’s first career as a teacher in Staten Island and are three decades old, the letter said.

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