PATCHOGUE (NY)
WCBS 880
October 17, 2018
A teenager abused by the former music director at a Long Island Catholic church is suing the Diocese of Rockville Center, claiming the church ignored guidelines designed to protect children.
Newsday reports the allegation is detailed in a lawsuit against the pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Patchogue, the Diocese of Rockville Center and Bishop John Barres.
The church’s former music director, Efrain Villafane, now 62, pleaded guilty to rape charges last year, and was sentenced to 10 years of probation. He will also be registered as a sex offender for life.
The victim, now 18-years-old, said she was only 15 when the abuse began.
The diocese claims it contacted the district attorney’s office as soon as it learned of the allegations in 2016.
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