Diocese of Rochester NY - BishopAccountability.org

73 Accused in This Diocese

Fr. Joseph Beatini

Ordained: 1949
Status: Sued

Died: 05/25/1980
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Accused of child sexual abuse in a lawsuit filed in 2019 under the NY Child Victims Act. Abuse alleged to have occurred at St. Francis Xavier in Rochester. Died in 1980, age 58.

Sources:

Democrat and Chronicle 08.15.19

Fr. David L. Bonin

Ordained: 1974
Status: Sued

Died: 03/13/2002
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Died at age 53 in 3/02. In 11/08 a 21-year-old man filed suit against the bishop and diocese, alleging that Bonin sexually abused him weekly 1998-2001, when the man was ages 9-12. The man first made his allegations known in 2007. A second person also alleged abuse. In 4/09 the NY Supreme Court denied the diocese's motion to dismiss. Diocese included Bonin's name on 6/7/12 list; complaint noted to have been received after his death.

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Fr. James C. Burke

Ordained: 1964
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 7/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a boy, age 16, beginning in 1977. Burke was assigned to Holy Ghost in Gates at the time of the alleged abuse. Retired in 2009.

Sources:

Catholic Courier 12.20.09
Democrate and Chronicle 08.03.20

Fr. Thomas W. Burr

Ordained: 1961
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

One of three priests removed in 5/02 for allegations of inappropirate behavior with teens more than 20 years prior. Was working at St. Mary Our Mother in Horseheads when he "resigned." Per diocesan news release 6/7/12, he was sentenced to a life of prayer & penance.

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Fr. Bernard A.L. Carges

Ordained: 1960
Status: Sued

Died: 04/22/2003
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Accused in a 2019 lawsuit, filed under the NY Child Victims Act, of sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy in the summer of 1974 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Carges retired in 2002 and died in 2003.

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Fr. Albert H. Cason

Ordained: 1962
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Removed from ministry in 1985 due to allegations he sexually abused boys. Police investigated; no charges. Diocese investigated; deemed allegations credible. Sent for treatment and never allowed to return to ministry. Eight plaintiffs filed suits 12/02. Many dismissed on SOL. At least six former altar boys claimed he abused them in the 1960s while assigned to St. John's in Spencerport and St. Patrick's in Owego. Abuse said to have occurred on overnight camping trips and at a drive-in movie. Voluntarily laicized per 6/7/12 statement from Diocese. Deceased, per the diocese's list updated in 10/18.

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Fr. John T. Cherry

Donate Photo

Order: CSB
Ordained: 1947
Status: Sued

Died: 02/21/1973
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act of a 17-year-old in about 1968, while a teacher at Aquinas Institute. Assigned to Aquinas 1956-66. Died 2/21/73 in Gary, IN at age 53.

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Fr. Paul I. Cloonan

Ordained: 1954
Status: Sued

Died: 10/17/2015
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Name included on the Rochester diocese's 6/7/12 list of priests removed 2002-2012. Voluntarily laicized. The 1989 Official Catholic Directory shows him as "unassigned." Died in 2015. Named in suit(s) in 2020 under the New York Child Victims Act. Reportedly named in nine separate cases.

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Fr. Vincent Paul Collins

Ordained: 1941
Status: Sued

Died: 02/3/1980
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act of child sexual abuse. The abuse allegedly occurred 1970-71 at St. John's in Perinton. Active in Alcoholic Anonymous retreats, author of a self-help book and pamphlets. Died 2/3/80 at age 64.

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Fr. Thomas Corbett

Ordained: 1965
Status: Accused

Died: 04/29/2021
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Charged in 2002 with two counts of third-degree sexual abuse in 1991. The charge, later dismissed, involved a woman. Working in the diocese's legal services office for the diocesan marriage tribunal. Removed from this position 5/02. Another woman complained in 4/02 that Corbett abused her when she was a minor 1974-75. She said her parents told another priest and Corbett was transferred. Per the diocese in 2012, Corbett was sentenced by the Vatican to a life of prayer and penance. He died in 4/21.

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Fr. John M. Costello

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1984
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Removed by the Jesuits from his job at McQuaid High School in the Rochester diocese in 11/03 after an allegation that he sexually abused a 15-year-old male student in 1980 at Regis High School in the New York archdiocese, prior to ordination. He had also been principal of Canisius High School in the Buffalo diocese 1989-1992. Reinstated in 1/04 because, per theJesuits, the accuser had recanted. Costello was moved in 2005 to Murray-Weigel Hall, a Jesuit residence in the Bronx.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

Sources:

Sr. Madeline Cox

Donate Photo

Order: SSJ
Status: Sued

Died: 11/20/2010
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Entered the Order in 1952. Died 11/20/10. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a child 1978-82, beginning when the child was age 6, at Church of the Nativity of the BVM in Brockport.

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Fr. James J. Curry

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1974
Status: Sued

Died: 01/14/2019
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 7/20 of sexually abusing a McQuaid Jesuit High School student 1974-77. Curry taught history and theology at the school in the 1970s and 1980s. He died 1/14/19.

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Fr. Joseph F. D’Aurizio

Ordained: 1956
Status: Sued

Died: 09/5/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 7/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a child 1982-84, beginning when the child was age 5. The abuse allegedly occurred while D'Aurizio was pastor of St. John the Evangelist in Greece, NY. Died 9/5/09.

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Fr. Leo Emmett Davis

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1936
Status: Sued

Died: 01/7/1985
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 7/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a child 1939-40, beginning when the child was age 8. Davis was assigned to St. Margaret Mary in Irondequoit at the time of the alleged abuse. Died 1/7/85.

Sources:

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle 08.03.20

Fr. Leo Francis Dunn

Order: CSsR
Ordained: 1944
Status: Sued

Died: 06/19/2009
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Missionary in Brazil for 16 years. Assigned in 1961 to St. Joseph's in Rochester. In 1970 began retreat work in PA, then in Canandaigua NY in 1981. Returned in 1987 to St. Joseph's, then back to Canandaigua at some point. Lived at St. John Neumann Residence in Saratoga Springs 2004-2009. Died 6/19/09, age 92. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act of child sexual abuse, occurring at St. Joseph's in Rochester.

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Fr. George W. Eckl

Ordained: 1901
Status: Sued

Died: 07/2/1977
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Monsignor. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 7/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a child, beginning in 1951 when the child was age 12. Eckl was assigned to St. Andrew's in Rochester at the time of the alleged abuse. Died 7/2/77, age 99.

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Fr. Eugene G. Emo

Ordained: 1961
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Sent to residential treatment in 1993. Charged in 1993 with violating probation by having contact with a 16-year-old boy; sentenced to 1-3 years in prison. Arrested 2/96; sentenced to six months in prison and five years probation 5/97 for abuse of a 31-year-old mentally disabled man. On restrictions because of prior sexual abuse allegations. Many other complaints after his arrest. Released from prison in 2002. Involuntarily laicized per diocese 6/7/12. Reported in 6/18 to be a registered sex offender living in Bushnell FL. Accused in a suit filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexual abuse while assigned to St. Mary's in Danville. By 8/20, named in 12 CVA lawsuits. New suit in 8/20 claims abuse in 1968 of a boy, age 17. The diocese's list in 8/22 shows Emo to be deceased.

Fr. Ronald P. Frederick

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1969
Status: Settled

Died: 05/18/1999
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Reportedly in 2019, Frederick was accused in a lawsuit filed in 1997 of sexually abusing a boy in 1990. The abuse allegedly occurred during an overnight trip to Niagara Falls. Frederick was assigned at the time to St. Mary's in Canandaigua. The suit was settled shortly before Frederick died in 1999.

Sources:

Democrat and Chronicle 08.15.19

Fr. Robert Gaudio

Ordained: 1974
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Pastor of St. Christopher's in North Chili when placed on leave in 2/19 after an allegation that he sexually abused a St. Andrew's altar boy beginning in 1979, when the boy was age 14. Gaudio denied the allegation. Assignments also included parishes in Brockport, Auburn, Greece, Palmyra and Marion. Lawsuit filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act by a man alleging abuse as a boy in 1979; may or may not be the same accuser.

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Fr. Anthony Giudice

Order: OFM Cap
Ordained: 1954
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Accused in lawsuit filed 8/14/19 of abusing a boy, ages 9-11, during 1961-63, at Immaculate Heart of Mary, which was a Capuchin minor seminary in Geneva. The boy was an altar server at St. Patrick's church in Seneca Falls.

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Fr. John F. Gormley

Ordained: 1959
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Gormley admitted to molesting a boy in 1966 and other boys in the 1950s and 1960s. He took a leave of absence in 1969, left the priesthood two years later and married. Problems were know prior to ordination and he was in therapy for 30 years. In 1993 he apologized to the 1966 victim after a chance encounter. This man filed a civil suit in 1993 and later settled for $70K. Suit filed in in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act by a man alleging sexual abuse as a boy by Gormley 1965-68. Included on the diocese's list in 8/22, noted to be deceased.

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Fr. David N. Gramkee

Ordained: 1966
Status: Accused

Died: 07/31/2002
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Acussed of sexually abusing a teenage girl in the 1970s. He disputed the time-frame of the alleged abuse and the age of the alleged victim. Gramkee previously admitted that he had "engaged in an inappropriate relationship" and had undergone counseling. Named as chaplain at a prison just after abuse is alleged to have occurred; was later assigned to a parish. Suspended by the diocese in 6/02. Died of stroke 7/02. Included on the diocese's list in 6/12, noting that canonical proceedings were not complete at time of Gramkee's death .

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Fr. Joseph A. Grasso

Donate Photo

Order: CPPS
Ordained: 1992
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Priest of the Congregation of Missionaries of the Precious Blood (C.P.P.S.). Teacher and/or principal at a number of high schools. Accused in a lawsuit filed 2/19/20 of sexually abusing a male student in the early 2000s at Siena Catholic Academy in Brighton and St. Thomas More Church. The abuse allegedly began in 2002 when the boy was age 12, and continued into the next year. Grasso denied the allegations. V.A. chaplain in Albany since 2008.

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Fr. Gerard J. Guli

Ordained: 1956
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Arrested in 4/89, charged with fondling a female nursing home resident's naked breasts. The woman had advanced dementia. Pleaded guilty, sentenced to 5 months probation. Name included on the Rochester diocese's 6/7/12 list of priests removed between 2002 and 2012. Voluntarily laicized, apparently due to child sex abuse allegation(s). On Wheeling-Charleston diocese's list in late 2018, where he was assigned 1963-67. Noted to have been accused in 1963 in Rochester of abuse involving adults. Went on leave of absence in 3/63 for "reasons of health."

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Fr. Robert W. Hammond

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1967
Status: Sued

Died: 11/5/2021
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Accused in a 2/03 lawsuit of sexually abusing a boy in 1979. Hammond was director of the Catholic youth summer program at the boy's parish. Same accuser and and three others also alleged that they were abused by Rev. Albert Cason. Per 2002 Catholic Directory, Hammond was "unassigned." Bishop placed Hammond under restrictions pending investigation. Resigned from his last post in 2000 for "personal reasons not related to any criminal activity." Sentenced to life of prayer and penance, per diocese in 6/12. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act of abusing a boy, age 12 or 13, between 1972 and 1974. The suit also alleges abuse of "multiple other children." Hammond died in 11/21.

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Fr. Austin B. Hanna

Ordained: 1936
Status: Sued

Died: 01/9/2006
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

"Fr. Gus." Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abuse, including rape, of a boy, ages 8-12, who resided at St. Joseph Villa in the 1970s. Hanna was chaplain at the home 1946-77. Per Hannah's accuser, a Sr. Betty discovered blood in the boy's underwear underwear, beat him and sent him back to Hanna for confession. Hanna died 1/9/06 at age 97. The same accuser alleged in a separate lawsuit that he was also brutally abused at age 16 in 1981 by a man who ran a church youth program, Dan Charcholla.

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Fr. Richard A. Hart

Ordained: 1955
Status: Sued

Died: 06/19/1994
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 7/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing the child, beginning when the child was age 12 in 1977. Hart died in 1994.

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Br. John Laurence Heathwood

Order: CFC
Status: Sued

Died: 12/7/2016
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Entered Order 1943, took first vows 1947, and final vows 9/5/54. Educator. Assignments included Holy Cross School and St. Bonaventure College in Newfoundland, Canada, All Hallows, Cardinal Hayes and Bishop Kearney High Schools, Iona College, Bishop Henricksen High School, Guadalupe Regional Middle School, Los Hermanos Community and Centro Juan Diego- St. Leo Parish, Christian Brothers Central Harlem Community and St. Joseph Residence. Removed as a teacher and drama director at Bishop Kearney High School in Rochester, New York for sexually abusing a female student beginning in the late 1960s. She filed suit in 1994. She said he attacked her for years and left her unable to have children. Dismissed by Court and appealed to NY Supreme Court, Appellate Division. Dismissed. Listed by the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers in 2014 as accused by at least two persons in claims settled in bankruptcy proceedings. Heathwood died 12/7/16.

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Fr. David W. Heinsler

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1967
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a child 1967-68, beginning when the child was age 8. Heinsler was assigned to St. Bridget's at the time of the alleged abuse.

Sources:

Democrat and Chronicle 08.03.20

Fr. G. Stuart Hogan

Ordained: 1924
Status: Sued

Died: 06/1/1985
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Hogan's name was one of eight released in 6/18 by Attorney Mitchell Garabedian of priests accused of sexually abusing children. A 71-year-old woman stated in 6/18 that Hogan sexually abused her at ages 15-16 in 1962-63, while he was assigned to St. Gregory in Marion. She said her mother wrote and called the diocese to report the abuse, but nothing was done. The woman also said a classmate told her that Hogan had also molested her and that her reports to the diocese were ignored. Hogan retired in 1965 and died 6/1/85. Lawsuit filed in 9/19 under the NY Child Victims Act.

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Fr. Thomas Honold

Donate Photo

Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 7/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a child 1969-71, beginning when the child was age 12.

Sources:

Democrat and Chronicle 08.03.20

Fr. Daniel Karl

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Named publicly as accused by the diocese on its list in 8/22. Noted to be deceased.

Sources:

Diocese of Rochester List 08.03.22

Br. Lawrence A. Killelea

Order: CFC
Status: Sued

Died: 06/15/2015
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Entered the Order in 1942, professed final vows in 1951. Died 6/15/15. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 7/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a child 1974-76, beginning when the child was age 14. The abuse allegedly occurred while Killelea was assigned to Bishop Kearney High School in Irondequoit.

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Fr. Robert James Klem

Order: CSB
Ordained: 1957
Status: Settled

Died: 01/22/2021
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Accused in a claim settled in 2020 in the low six figures of sexually abusing a boy, ages 14-16, in 1968-70, while assigned to the Aquinas Institute in Rochester. The abuse allegedly occurred at least three times, at Klem's residence, at a house around Greece, NY and on a trip to Quebec, Canada. Klem was at the Institute 1958-84. Transferred to the Basilian Mission Center in Sugar Land, TX in the late 1980s. Retired in 2013, living at the Dillon House in Houston through at least 2019. He died in 1/21.

Assignments:

Garabedian Law Offices Assignment Record

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Fr. Joseph E. Larrabee

Ordained: 1980
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Named on 6/7/12 Rochester diocese list of priests removed between 2002 and 2012. Voluntarily laicized. Went on leave of absence 1993. Accused in three lawsuits filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act of the sexual abuse of three teenage boys, one at age 13 in 1977, one 15-16 in 1984-85, and the third ages 15-17 1989-91. Accused in two suits filed in 2/20, one claiming abuse of a minor 1982-83 and the other claiming abuse of a teenage altar boy 1982-84. Both said the priest abused them after luring them to the St. Agnes in Avon rectory. One said he also abused him during a sleepover at the lake house of a friend of Larrabee. New suits in 7/20 for total of 14.

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Fr. William D. Lum

Ordained: 1969
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Placed on leave in 1996. Pled guilty 8/97 to misdemeanor sexual abuse of a 16-year-old boy in 1992; given conditional discharge instead of prison or probation. Allowed to perform administrative duties for diocese until 4/02 when he was again placed on leave without privileges. Civil suit filed. Dismissed by appeals court 2/02 as to diocese and parish, but not Lum. On behalf of Lum, diocese settled 5/02 for counseling fees. Sentenced to a life of prayer and penance, per 6/7/12 announcement from diocese. Claim via CVA in 7/20. At least one other accuser.

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Fr. Carsten P. Martensen

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1977
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

The Rochester diocese received an allegation in 3/19 that Martensen sexually abused a minor in the 1970s. Campus minister since 2007 at Ithaca College at Cornell. Also taught in the South Bronx at a summer day camp and was chaplain at Fordham Prep. Suspended pending investigation by the Jesuits.

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Fr. Charles J. McCarthy

Ordained: 1940
Status: Accused

Died: 07/17/1971
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

McCarthy's name was one of eight released in 6/18 by Attorney Mitchell Garabedian of priests accused of sexually abusing minors. Assigned to St. Andrew's 1964 until his death in 1971. The alleged abuse occurred during his time at St. Andrew's.

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Fr. Robert A. Meng

Ordained: 1945
Status: Sued

Died: 06/21/2010
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed under the NY Child Victims Act in 8/19 of sexually abusing a girl 1969-72, beginning when the girl was age 4. Meng was pastor of Holy Rosary in Rochester 1968-93. He retired in 1993 and died in 2010.

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Fr. John M. Merklinger

Ordained: 1937
Status: Sued

Died: 05/5/1970
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 7/21 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a boy over two years, beginning in 1967 when the boy was age 8. Merklinger was assigned to St. Alphonsus in Auburn at the time of the alleged abuse, and the boy was a student at the parish school. Per the lawsuit, another priest witnessed the abuse, but did nothing. Merklinger died in 1970.

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Fr. Mark A. Miller

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1969
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 7/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a child, beginning when the child was age 11 in 1976. Miller was assigned to St. Helen's in Gates at the time of the alleged abuse.

Sources:

Democrat and Chronicle 08.03.20

Fr. Robert J. Miller

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1956
Status: Sued

Died: 02/25/1988
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Died 2/25/88. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a boy, ages 7-9, while assigned to Good Shepherd parish in Henrietta, NY 1967-69.

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Janice Nadeau

Order: SSND
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Allegation to the diocese in 2018 that Nadeau violently sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl in 1977 at St. Margaret Mary School in Irondequoit, where Nadeau was principal in 1977-85. Nadeau's accuser said the nun dragged her by the ear to the principal's office, slapped her face, knocked her into a wall, straddled her when she fell and yelled "You're a slut" and "Your're inviting rape and you're going to get raped," then reached under her skirt and penetrated her. The diocese's victims' reconciliation program deemed the allegations "completely credible," and Nadeau's accuser was offered a settlement. Nadeau retired at some point to her Order's motherhouse in Wilton, CT. Reported in 3/19 to have advanced dementia and to be living a nursing facility. Accused in a 7/20 lawsuit of sexually assaulting a boy, also a St. Margaret Mary student.

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Fr. Bernard C. Newcomb

Ordained: 1934
Status: Sued

Died: 12/5/1993
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 7/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing two children, ages 15 and 16, between 1963-64, while assigned to St. Cecilia's in Ironequoit. Died in 12/93.

Sources:

Democrat and Chronicle 08.03.20

Fr. William J. O’Malley

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1951
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/2019 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually assaulting a McQuaid Jesuit High student multiple times in 1985-1986. O'Malley appeared in the 1973 film, "The Exorcist." In 2019 he 87 is living at Fordham University's Murray-Weigel Hall. A 7/2020 lawsuit claims abuse of a McQuaid student in 1975 or 1976. Per the Fordham University newspaper in 12/2020, O'Malley was removed from Murray-Weigel after he was accused.

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Fr. Robert F. O’Neill

Ordained: 1962
Status: Sued

Died: 12/7/2005
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Parish priest, counseler to boy scout troops. Complaints received in 1970s. Sent to treatment. Parents of boys complained about behavior and drinking for several years. Removed in 1973 from parish, appointed to Marriage Tribunal. Reassigned in 1980 to a parish. "Retired" due to health in 2001, continued working at tribunal. Privileges removed 5/02. Sued in 2002 by 10 men. Allegedly abused young teens in the late 1970s and early 1980s, including on trips to his Jefferson County cottage. Suit dismissed due to SOL in 2003 and 2004. Died 12/05. Canonical proceedings not complete at time of death, per 6/7/12 statement from Diocese. Accused in lawsuit filed under NY Child Victims Act in 9/19 of abuse of a boy, age 16, in 1994. By 8/20 24 lawsuits by 24 alleged O'Neill victims.

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Fr. Richard J. Orlando

Ordained: 1947
Status: Accused

Died: 01/27/2006
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Orlando's name was one of eight released 6/18 by Attorney Mitchell Garabedian of priests accused of sexually abusing minors. Retired in 1993. Died 1/27/06.

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Fr. Vincent Panepinto

Ordained: 1967
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Diocese announced 3/27/11 that it had placed Panepinto on administrative leave without privileges from St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish in Rochester. after a "credible" allegation. Accused of sexual abuse of a minor in the late 1960s, shortly after ordination. Was assigned at the time of the alleged abuse to St. Philip Neri in Rochester and St. Anthony's in Elmira. Also charged in 7/11 with theft of $10K from his parish several years prior. He claimed blackmail. Sentenced by the Vatican to a life of prayer and penance, per the diocese in 10/18. Accused in a lawsuit in 2019 of sexually abusing a boy over a decade, beginning when the boy was age 5 in 1960 and Panepinto was a seminarian.

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Fr. Jacob R. Rauber

Ordained: 1927
Status: Sued

Died: 06/26/1978
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Accused of child sexual abuse in a 2019 lawsuit under the NY Child Victims Act. Pastor of St. Leo's in Hilton, NY 1954-1968. Retired in 1968. Died 6/26/78.

Sources:

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle 08.15.19

Fr. Wilfred S. Riley

Order: CSB
Status: Sued

Died: 05/15/1984
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 7/20 of sexually abusing a minor beginning in 1956, when the minor was age 15 and Riley was a teacher at Aquinas Institute of Rochester. Died 5/15/84.

Sources:

Democrat and Chronicle 08.03.20

Fr. Foster P. Rogers

Ordained: 1966
Status: Settled

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Assigned to St. Pius X Church in Chili, NY when suspended by Bishop Clark in 5/2002 after a man alleged that Rogers molested him at age 16 in 1975. Another man also came forward to say that he had complained to the diocese in 1993 about earlier abuse by Rogers. Voluntarily laicized, per 6/7/2012 statement from the Diocese. In 2020 a man sued Rogers, alleging that the priest sexually abused him at age 15 in 7/1979. The man claimed Rogers had offered the boy a ride, then abused him in his car. Rogers did not contest the allegations. A jury at the damages trial awarded the man a $95M settlement in 5/2023, although Rogers had little money and the man was unlikely to receive much.

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Fr. Paul R. Schnacky

Ordained: 1953
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Placed on leave without privileges 5/10 after allegations of improper contact with minors in the 1970s. Assigned to St. Philip Neri in Rochester at the time of the alleged abuse. Review board said investigation confirmed the complaint. Sentenced by the Vatican to a life of prayer and penance, per the diocese in 10/18.

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Fr. Dennis R. Sewar

Ordained: 1983
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Sewar took a sabbatical in 01/05. Placed on leave 6/05, arrested 7/05. Charged with abuse of a 14-year-old boy 1999-2001. Trial set for 8/06. Allowed to plead guilty to lesser charge of attempted endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor. Sentenced to one year probation. In 9/08 he was teaching in a Hong Kong school until a parent discovered his record on BishopAccountability.org. Involuntarily dismissed from the clerical state, per diocese 6/7/12.

Fr. Dennis J. Shaw

Ordained: 1974
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Parochial administrator of Holy Family in Auburn when placed on leave without privileges in 12/10. Accused of having sexually abused a child in the late 1970s at St. Francis of Assisi in Rochester. Review Board found allegations credible in 2/12. Matter sent to the Vatican. Shaw was living in Auburn; fired from job at YMCA 2/12. Per the diocese in 10/18, Shaw had been laicized.

Sources:

Fr. Gary P. Shaw

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1972
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Shaw's name was among eight released in 6/18 by attorney Mitchell Garabedian of priests accused of sexually abusing minors. Assigned to St. John the Evangelist in Clyde in 1973, then St. Margaret Mary in Irondequoit 1974-77. The alleged abuse occurred during his time at St. Margaret Mary. Per the diocese, Shaw resigned from ministry in 1977 and was "dispensed from the clerical state" in 1978.

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Fr. David P. Simon

Ordained: 1967
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Placed on leave without privileges in 5/02 after allegations resurfaced of sexual abuse more than 20 years prior. Incidents of sex abuse involving teen boys were reported to the diocese 1973-1982. Apparently his victim(s) had come forward again in 2002 to protest the fact that he was still in ministry. Assigned after canonical process to life of prayer and penance, per 6/7/12 notice from the diocese. In 2018 attorney Mitchell Garabedian announced he had one or more clients abused by Simon preparing to file suit. Per the diocese's list in 8/22, Simon is deceased.

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Sister Bernadine

Donate Photo

Order: RSM
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a teenager while a teacher at Notre Dame High School in Elmira.

Sources:

Democrat and Chronicle 08.15.19

Fr. James F. Slattery

Donate Photo

Ordained: 1941
Status: Sued

Died: 05/11/2005
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 7/20 of sexually abusing a child 1966-67, beginning when the child was age 7 and Slattery was assigned to Our Lady Queen of Peace in Brighton. Died 5/11/05.

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Fr. John Joseph Steger

Ordained: 1951
Status: Charged

Died: 03/4/2008
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Placed on leave in 5/06 after allegations that he had recently sexually abused a 12-year-old girl. Criminal charges filed. Steger pled not guilty to all charges. In 3/07 prosecutors and defense counsel began an effort to reach a plea agreement due to Steger's age (80) and poor physical condition. Still on leave when he died in 3/08. Criminal proceedings were not complete, per 6/7/12 statement from Diocese.

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Fr. Conrad J. Sundholm

Ordained: 1955
Status: Accused

Died: 02/1/2017
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Assigned to six parishes in Rochester over a 44-year career. Retired to St. Petersburg, FL in 1999. In 11/09 his privileges were removed by Rochester after allegations that he sexually abused a minor in the mid-1970s while assigned to St. Salome in Irondequoit, 1974-1982. Review board found allegations to be credible and matter was sent to Vatican. Per the Rochester diocese in 10/18, Sundholm died in 2017, before the canonical process could be completed.

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Fr. Harry R. Untereiner

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1972
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 7/20 of sexually abusing a McQuaid Jesuit High School student in 1980. The suit also claims the same student was abused by McQuaid teacher, John Tobin. Prior to his brief stint as a McQuaid faculty member, Untereiner taught at Fordham Prep in NY and, after McQuaid, was on faculty at St. Peter's Prep in Jersey City, NJ. He went on leave of absence in 1985 and at some point became a priest of the Byzantine Eparchy of Passaic.

Assignments:

BA.org Assignment Record

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Fr. Thomas J. Valenti

Ordained: 1976
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Administrator at Blessed Trinity when named publicly in 6/18 as having been accused of the sexual abuse of a minor, ages 15-17, 1975-77. Per Attorney Mitchell Garabedian, the alleged abuse began when Valenti was a deacon and continued after ordination, to his time at St. Mary's of the Lake in Ontario NY. The diocese stated that in 2003,the allegation was "investigated, reviewed and determined to be unsubstantiated." Valenti requested a leave of absence "in order to address this matter." In 12/18 the Diocese removed him from ministry, stating that, per the Review Board, Valenti had "engaged in objectionable and inappropriate behaviors with minors" in the 1970s.

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Fr. Robert E. Voelkle

Order: SJ
Ordained: 1968
Status: Sued

Died: 04/7/2016
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Named publicly as credibly accused by the Jesuits Northeast Province on its list 1/15/19. It notes reports in 1980 and the 2000s of abuse of minors 1960-80. Worked at McQuaid Jesuit High School in Rochester 1962-65 and 1968-69, and at Regis High School in New York 1969-80. Voelkle left the Jesuits in 1985 and died in 2016. Named in a lawsuit filed in 7/20.

Assignments:

Jesuits Northeast Province List 01.15.19

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Fr. Francis H. Vogt

Ordained: 1938
Status: Sued

Died: 10/16/2006
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Per diocese in 2002, there were two credible complaints against Vogt, one in 1993 and the other in 2002. Vogt, then 90, was living in a convent infirmary, reportedly frail and with poor memory. He retired in 1982. Four other men also alleged abuse. Vogt reportedly molested pre-teen boys in the 1950s-70s at St. Bridget's. Assigned to a life of prayer and penance. Died 10/16/06. Lawsuit filed in 6/19 claimed sexual abuse of a boy by Vogt over a two-year period, beginning when the boy was age 5. The abuse allegedly occurred at the Catholic Charities CYO swimming pool and at the boy's home. Suit filed in 6/19 alleged abuse of a boy, beginning when he was age 5 in the late 1960s. Four more suits filed 8/14/19, all under the NY Child Victims Act. Abuse spanned 1955-80, of boys ages 5-11. Seven new suits in 8/20. By then, at least 46 alleged Vogt victims. (Brother of Msgr. Joseph Vogt and accused priest George C. Vogt.)

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Fr. George C. Vogt

Ordained: 1927
Status: Sued

Died: 06/27/1996
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 7/20 of sexually abusing a child, beginning when the child was age 8 in 1975 and Vogt was assigned to Good Shepherd in Henrietta. Died 6/27/96. (Brother of Msgr. Joseph Vogt and accused priest Francis H. Vogt.)

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Fr. Otto Vogt

Ordained: 1950
Status: Sued

Died: 04/29/2017
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 1/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of abusing a boy, beginning when the boy was age 10 in 1989 at St. Paul of the Cross in Honeoye Falls. The abuse allegedly continued for four years. Another alleged victim has reportedly also come forward. Vogt died 4/29/17 at age 91.

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Fr. Michael Volino

Ordained: 1992
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Charged with possession of having child porn on his computer. Pled guilty 5/05. Sentenced to 15 months in prison in 12/05. Scheduled to be released in early 2007. Was to remain on administrative leave pending a decision by the diocesan review board and, if necessary, by Rome. Volino fought against having to register as a (low level) sex offender but, court ruled in 2/07 that he had to. Per the diocese's list updated 10/18, Volino was voluntarily laicized.

Br. John D. Walsh

Order: CSC
Status: Convicted

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Holy Cross brother (mis-identified in at least one news report as a Franciscan). Vice-principal of Cardinal Mooney High School in Greece, NY in 9/85 when arrested and charged with kidnapping at gunpoint two boys, ages 11 and 12, and offering them money for sex. The boys got away without physical injury. Walsh was sent to the Servants of the Paraclete in NM for treatment in 9/85. Pled guilty in 1/86 and sentenced to six months in jail. Accused in a 1/20 lawsuit against the Order of sexually abusing a Mooney High School student 1966-69. The abuse allegedly began during counseling sessions, became sadistic, and occurred many times in the school's locker room, library and rectory and at hotels.

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Deacon Stephen Ward

Donate Photo

Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Deacon. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 7/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of abusing multiple children 1975-78, while assigned to St. Thomas the Apostle in Irondequoit. One of the alleged victims was age 5 when the abuse began.

Sources:

Democrat and Chronicle 08.03.20

Fr. Timothy G. Weider

Ordained: 1965
Status: Sued

Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 7/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a child 1967-68, beginning when the child was age 11 and Weider was assigned to St. Vincent de Paul in Corning. Weider was involved with CYO and Boy Scouts, and he established a group home for troubled teenage boys in the rectory of Sacred Heart, where he was then pastor. Per the diocesan website in 3/20, Weider resigned from the priesthood in 1980 and was laicized in 2019.

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Fr. Robert J. Winterkorn

Ordained: 1956
Status: Accused

Died: 06/5/2005
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Allegations of abuse beginning about 1983. Pastor of St. John the Evangeiist in 9/93 when he resigned per Bishop's request. Winterkorn had admitted to a long-term sexual relationship with a female parishioner that began when she was a minor. No criminal charges filed. Privileges removed. Assigned after canonical process to life of prayer and penance, per 6/7/12 notice from diocese. Died in 2005.

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Fr. James T. Wolfe

Ordained: 1955
Status: Sued

Died: 02/16/2002
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Accused in a lawsuit filed in 7/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a child, age 13, beginning in 1963. Wolfe was assigned at the time of the alleged abuse to Our Lady of Lourdes in Brighton. Died 2/16/02.

Sources:

Democrat and Chronicle 08.03.20

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