Former St. Joseph’s Priest Accused of Sexually Abusing Minor

MANORHAVEN (NY)
Patch National

April 15, 2019

By Ryan Bonner

The alleged abuse occurred more than 40 years ago, but it was only recently reported, diocese officials say.

A former priest at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Babylon has been accused of sexually
abusing a minor more than 40 years ago.

The Rev. Steven J. Peterson, the current pastor at Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church in Manorhaven, “has voluntarily agreed to step down immediately from all ministry” while an investigation takes place, said Sean Dolan, the director of communications for the Diocese of Rockville Centre.

The alleged abuse was only recently reported through the diocese’s Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (IRCP), Dolan said.

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