Fr. James A. Spielman

Ordained: 1970
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Buffalo NY

Bishop Head knew of allegations of abuse at a Jamestown parish in 1989; sent to treatment 6 months later. Returned to ministry. Accused in 1993 of abusing altar boy for 4 years in the 1970s; $150K settlement in 1994. Left priesthood after abuse reported 1993; moved to AK. Possibly in Naalehu HI as of 2011. Worked in HI parishes at some point. On 3/20/18 diocesan list. Settlement in 2016 for $1.5M with former Walsh High student claiming abuse by Spielman at ages 14-17. Said abused at school, other places in Buffalo, and in Honolulu diocese, and that other students were abused; also plied with alcohol and porn. Said staff at school were told, nothing done. Suit was v Buffalo and Honolulu dioceses, Walsh HS, and Southdown Institute in Toronto, where Spielman was treated 12/89-5/90 and in 1993. Named in 8/19 suit in NY.


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