BUFFALO (NY)
WIVB [Buffalo NY]
September 1, 2026
By Gabriella Baiano
About 900 survivors of clergy abuse in the Buffalo Catholic Diocese will soon vote on a $326 million settlement, part of a process that’s been in the works for years.
Since the diocese filed bankruptcy in February 2020, it’s been the longest settlement process involving priest sexual abuse cases in the country.
Attorney Steve Boyd represents many of the victims. He sat down with WIVB News 4 to explain the process and what he thinks the outcome could be.
“We think overwhelmingly they will vote yes. It’s been the history; that’s what happened in Syracuse, that’s what happened in Rochester,” Boyd said. “They will get the ballots; we receive the ballots on Friday of this week.”
Boyd explained how the funds will be distributed if the settlement is approved.
“There is an expert who is an allocator, and the allocator is hired by the survivors committee, and he’s going to read through all of the proofs of claim, and then he will allocate different amounts based upon the severity of each individual claim,” Boyd said.
He said there’s been an array of feelings throughout the process.
“For a lot of people, coming to an end now, it gives them an acknowledgement of what they went through,” Boyd said. “I think a lot of our clients are less concerned about the money and more concerned about that part. There are also going to be non-monetary provisions in here for child protection in the future so this never happens again.”
You can watch the full interview with Boyd in the video player above. See original article for video player.
Gabriella Baiano has been a digital producer with WIVB since November 2025. View more of her work here.