Former Niagara County priest accused of sexual abuse

NEW YORK
WIVB

By: Jenn Schanz
Updated: Apr 06, 2018

LEWISTON, N.Y. (WIVB) – Former Buffalo Diocesan priest Fr. Joseph Rappl is accused of sexually abusing an 11-year-old boy in 1981.

News 4 heard from the alleged victim Thursday; he is 48-years-old and currently living out of state. We spoke to him via phone from a Buffalo restaurant.

“I was very confused. I don’t know, I couldn’t process it. I was 11,” the alleged victim said.

While the alleged victim has asked to publicly remain anonymous, News 4 has verified his identity.

He says the abuse occurred at St. Peter’s Church in Lewiston.

Joseph Rappl, who is a volunteer at a Catholic youth camp called Camp Turner in Cattaraugus County, lives in North Carolina and is married according to is LinkedIn profile.

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