Fr. Michael R. Hands
Arrested in 5/01, charged with sexual abuse of a 13-year-old boy over a year and a half period. Also accused of abusing a a 22-year-old man about 10 years prior. Pled guilty in 2002-03 on two separate charges. Sentenced in 2003 to 2 years jail and to 6 months jail and 5 years probation. Released in 4/04; requested laicization. Identified as Priest W in Suffolk Co. Grand Jury report of 1/03. On NY Sex Offender Registry. Arrested in 7/17 related to report of abuse 7/24/17 of a teen boy in Charlton. Charges included sodomy, sex abuse and using a child in a sexual performance. Also accused of possession and distribution of child porn. Had been living at Easton Mountain Retreat, a center “created by gay men as a gift to the world,” per its website. Guilty plea 1/18. Died in apparent suicide in jail 2/27/18. Included on the diocese’s list of accused in 3/21.
- BA.org Assignment Record and Other Info
- Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21
- Newsday 03.08.02
- Newsday 01.03.03
- Newsday 01.03.03
- Newsday 01.09.03
- Newsday 01.14.03
- Suffolk County Grand Jury Report 01.17.03
- Newsday 02.05.03
- NY Times 03.02.03
- Statement by Michael Hands 03.04.03
- Newsday 03.04.03
- Newsday 03.12.03
- Newsday 03.13.03
- Newsday 05.01.04
- Newsday 04.12.05
- Newsday 09.05.17
- Post-Star (Glen Falls NY) 09.05.17
- Associated Press via 12 News WBNG 09.06.17
- CBS 6 News WRGB 09.06.17
- Post-Star 09.06.17
- Times Union 09.06.17
- Post Star 01.05.18
- The Times-Union 01.05.18
- Newsday 02.27.18
- Times Union 02.27.18
- Diocese of Rockville Centre List 03.18.21
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