BUFFALO (NY)
WKBW
September 6, 2018
The New York Attorney General’s office has launched a civil investigation into how the six dioceses and one archdiocese of the Catholic Church in the state handled, and potentially covered up, allegations of sexual abuse involving minors.
The A.G.’s office has subpoenaed all dioceses as part of the probe, according to a law enforcement source cited by the Associated Press.
The move comes two weeks after a 7 Eyewitness News I-Team investigation – citing internal documents from the Diocese of Buffalo – showed Bishop Richard Malone returned a longtime priest to ministry and kept another in his parish despite allegations of misconduct involving minors and young men.
State prosecutors are also looking to work with district attorneys statewide “to investigate and, if warranted, prosecute any individuals who have committed criminal offenses that fall within the applicable statues of limitations.”
In addition, New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood has introduced a clergy abuse hotline and complaint form. Victims of clergy sex abuse can call 1-800-771-7755 or file a complaint online at ag.ny.gov/ClergyAbuse.
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.