NEW YORK
WKBW
Charlie Specht
Apr 23, 2018
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) – Two more active priests in the Diocese of Buffalo have been suspended for allegations of child sexual abuse, the 7 Eyewitness News I-Team has learned.
Fr. Samuel Venne of St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church on Grand Island and Fr. Art Smith of Blessed Mother of Calcutta Catholic Church in Depew have been put on administrative leave, diocesan spokesman George Richert confirmed.
“After receiving an abuse complaint against Rev. Samuel J. Venne, Bishop Richard J. Malone has placed Father Venne on administrative leave as an investigation continues,” according to a written statement released by the diocese. “Please note that this administrative leave is for the purpose of investigation and does not imply any determination as to the truth or falsity of the complaint.”
The diocese released an identical statement regarding Father Smith.
Father Venne is listed on the St. Stephen website as “priest in residence,” a term often used for retired priests who help staff weekend Masses. He previously served at St. Martin of Tours in South Buffalo.
Father Smith is also listed as a priest in residence at Blessed Mother of Calcutta. He previously served at parishes in South Buffalo and Hamburg.
Note: This is an Abuse Tracker excerpt. Click the title to view the full text of the original article. If the original article is no longer available, see our News Archive.