NORTH PATCHOGUE (NY)
News 12 Long Island
October 16, 2018
The Catholic Church is being sued by a teen who says she was sexually abused by a former choir director.
The alleged victim says Efrain Villafane repeatedly abused her on the grounds of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in North Patchogue back in 2015.
The lawsuit claims church workers ignored safeguards meant to protect kids.
Villafane pleaded guilty to rape in 2017, and was sentenced to 10 years’ probation.
The lawsuit says that Villafane often told the girl, “If you tell your mother or anyone, I will take you down with me.” It goes on to say she didn’t report the abuse for a long time because she was confused, embarrassed, ashamed and fearful.
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