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Diocese of Ogdensberg ACCUSED PRIESTS

In November 2018, 28 priests of the Diocese of Ogdensburg faced credible accusations of sexual abuse with a minor. The Bishop of the diocese released the names of priests specifying which ones are deceased with a letter read at Masses across the diocese. However, the diocese didn’t release any information about the priests, evidence against them, where they served, or anything else helpful to victims seeking to file child sex abuse claims.

Between September 2019 and December 2020, victims filed civil and criminal lawsuits against the Diocese of Ogdensburg under the New York Child Victims Act, accusing 39 members of the clergy and a teacher in the diocese of sexual abuse. 

The New York Child Victims Act includes a look-back period that allows victims to pursue charges even after the statute of limitations has passed. This window created an opportunity for child sex abuse survivors to come forward, no matter how old they currently are or how long ago the abuse happened. 

In August 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo extended this look-back period to August 14, 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning you can still potentially file a claim today. This deadline expires soon, so you must contact a sex abuse law firm today to determine if you can and when you need to file a claim.

Despite the large number of sex abuse claims filed against clergy members, as of August 2019, the Diocese of Ogdensburg had not received credible allegations of sex abuse in the 20 years prior. As of October 2018, approximately 37 victims of sexual abuse resolved their claims against the diocese and received almost $5.5 million in compensation, with two claimants considering accepting payment from the independent advisor.

The growing number of child sex abuse lawsuits led to a two-year independent reconciliation and compensation program that created counseling options for victims and compensation financed by a line of credit and a long-term loan. The program launched in March 2018 to express remorse and recompense to victims of child sexual abuse at the hands of clergy members and help them find a sense of healing. 

The Diocese of Ogdensburg set up a Diocesan Review Board, made up of current and former law enforcement, judges, social workers, psychologists, educators, and clergy members, who receive allegations after preliminary investigations. The goal of the Board is to assess the credibility of the complaints received and advise the Bishop about any actions the diocese should take. If the Board finds an allegation is credible, the Bishop removes the clergy member accused of child sexual abuse from the ministry, and the Victims’ Assistance Coordinator offers immediate pastoral care for the victim bringing the claim.

It’s important to contact a sex abuse attorney if you’re considering filing a case against the Diocese of Ogdensburg and need help navigating the legal system or simply want your story heard. Having someone who understands the legal system advocating for you, who’s also well-versed in different trauma experiences, helps make the claim process less daunting. An attorney experienced with handling sex abuse cases, specifically those brought against the Diocese of Ogdensburg, will know how to ensure proper filing, the appropriate facilitation of evidence collection, and the swift and adequate navigation of the legal process, all while fighting for you. 

The legal team at Herman Law can help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve for your injuries and suffering. Nothing can take away the pain you endured by the Diocese of Ogdensburg and your abuser, but you don’t have to go through the healing process alone. We are here to fight for you every step of the way.

Ordained: 1979
Status: Accused
 
First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult.
Ordained: 1943
Status: Sued
 
Monsignor. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 6/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a minor at St. Mary’s in Massena in about 1987-91. Died 9/20/94.
Ordained: 1967
Status: Sued
 
First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of credibly accused. Died 7/30/18. Accused in a 6/30/20 lawsuit filed under the NY Child Victims Act of abusing a minor, ages 10-14, at St. John’s Academy in Plattsburgh. The plaintiff also accused Rev. John J. Fallon. Accused in a suit filed 4/1/21 of abusing a boy in 1969, along with Rev. Roland St. Pierre. The abuse allegedly took place in a wooded area and included sodomy. The priests are said to have taken turns abusing the boy, while the other watched.
Ordained: 1938
Status: Sued
 
Monsignor. Accused in a lawsuit filed 6/30/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a minor from about 1971-76 at Notre Dame Church in Malone. Died 2/5/97.
Ordained: 1956
Status: Accused
 
First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult. Name spelled “Degen” on list, but “Degan” in Official Catholic Directory.
Ordained: 1981
Status: Sued
 
Parish priest, school principal, prison chaplain. Died 7/10/13, age 69. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act.
Ordained: 1955
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 under NY’s Child Victims Act. The diocese acknowledged it had investigated a claim and reported it to law enforcement, then deemed the claim unsubstantiated. Downs remained an active priest in semi-retirement in 8/19.
Ordained: 1906
Status: Accused
 
First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult. Died 10/10/49.
Ordained: 1971
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit filed 6/30/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a minor from about 1985-88 at St. Michael’s in Parishville and St. Mary’s in Potsdam.
Ordained: 1955
Status: Convicted
 
Arrested in 9/85 on charges of mailing child pornography, involving photos of a boy under age 14, to a photo lab for developing. Other photos of boys from the town where Fallon was assigned were found at the rectory. Pled guilty in 12/85; sentenced to 5 years probation, including 6 months of psychiatric therapy. Lived in New Mexico “on sick leave” 1989-2000. Moved to a Syracuse retirement home; remained inactive. Syracuse diocese said it had no knowledge of his past. Died 2/5/05. On Ogdensburg diocese list 11/13/18. Named in 8/19 lawsuit(s) under the NY Child Victims Act. By 6/30/20 there were five suits naming Fallon.
Ordained: 1969
Status: Accused
 
First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult.
Ordained: 1980
Status: Accused
 
First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult.
Ordained: 1936
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit filed in 6/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a minor in about 1971 at Our Lady of Lourdes in Schroon Lake. Died 12/18/90.
Ordained: 1939
Status: Sued
 
Referred to as J. Arthur or Joseph A. Longtime pastor of Sacred Heart in Watertown, NY. Also known to have worked in the Dioceses of Providence, RI and St. Petersburg, FL. Died 12/2/88. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act.
Ordained: 1962
Status: Sued
 
First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult. On the Hartford archdiocese’s list 1/22/19. Attended Trinity College on a study leave while living at Our Lady Of Mercy in Plainville. Removed from ministry by the Ogdensberg diocese in 1996. Died 4/16/05. Accused in a lawsuit filed 6/20/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a minor 1963-64 at Holy Family in Watertown. Accused in another CVA lawsuit, filed in 8/19, of sexually abusing an altar boy, about age 13 in around 1967, at Our Lady Star of the Sea on Staten Island. (Referred to as “Edwin” Franklin.)
Ordained: 1936
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit filed in 6/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a minor in about 1971 at Our Lady of Lourdes in Schroon Lake. Died 12/18/90.
Ordained: 1978
Status: Accused
 
Gillette and three other priests were removed from their assignments in 7/02 as a result of the new zero tolerance policy from the recent Dallas Bishops’ conference. He was working at St. Paul’s in Black River at the time of his removal. Diocese said all four priests had substantiated allegations against them and all had been through some form of therapy. Died 8/31/14. On diocese’s list 11/13/18.
Ordained: 1969
Status: Accused
 
Resigned as pastor of two parishes and placed on leave in 6/06 after allegations of “inappropriate sexual behavior” more than 10 years previously were received by diocese. On diocese’s list 11/13/18. Died 4/16/16 at his home in Pompano Beach, FL.
Ordained: 1956
Status: Sued
 
Francis Maurus Kearns. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 6/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a minor in about 1965-67 at St. Joseph’s in Dannemora. Died 2/4/90.
Ordained: 1951
Status: Sued
 
First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult. Died 10/18/90. Named in lawsuit(s) in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act.
Ordained: 1935
Status: Accused
 
First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult. Died 8/11/79.
Ordained: 1941
Status: Sued
 
First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult. Died 7/3/11. Named in 8/19 lawsuit(s) under the NY Child Victims Act. By 6/30/20 there were five lawsuits claiming abuse by LaLonde in the 1960s and 1970s while he was assigned to parishes in Madrid and North Bangor.
Ordained: 1991
Status: Accused
 
First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult.
Ordained: 1933
Status: Sued
 
Monsignor. Chancery positions included Director of Catholic Charities and Director of Diocesan Hospitals. Accused in a lawsuit filed 6/30/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a minor in about 1971 or 1972 at St. Peter’s in Lowville. Died 6/21/72.
Ordained: 1951
Status: Accused
 
First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult. Deceased.
Ordained: 1958
Status: Sued
 
First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult. Died 7/20/16. Named in lawsuit(s) filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act.
Ordained: 1964
Status: Sued
 
First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult. Accused in a lawsuit filed 6/30/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a minor 1979-81 at St. Mary’s in Fort Covington. Per the diocese in 6/20, Menard had not been in ministry for over 30 years.
Ordained: 1968
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act. Seven different assignments as parish priest, then pastor 1977-83 at St. Martin’s in Port Leyden. Army chaplain 1983-2003, then pastor at Black River and Deferiet NY parishes until retirement in 2012. Died 5/27/13.
Ordained: 1965
Status: Settled
 
First indicted by Grand Jury in 1979 for sexual contact with three 14-year-old girls. Case dismissed after six months (when no further complaints received) and Diocese put him back to work. “Absent on sick leave” without privileges as of 1999. Beginning in 2000, four women filed separate suits alleging he abused them in 1980s and 1990s. All settled 1/03 for total of $180K. Living at Vianney Renewal Center in MO in 1/03, apparently subject to severe restrictions. Included on Ogdensburg diocese’s list 11/13/18. Named in lawsuit(s) filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act. By 6/30/20 there were four suits naming O’Doherty, one claiming abuse in 1966.
Ordained: 1954
Status: Sued
 
Monsignor. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 6/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a minor in about 1987-89 at St. Mary’s in Massena. Died 5/21/98.
Ordained: 1948
Status: Sued
 
First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult. Died 8/31/00. Named in lawsuit(s) filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act.
Ordained: 1944
Status: Sued
 
Monsignor. Accused in a lawsuit filed in 2/21 against the diocese of sexually abusing a child, ages 7-10, 1970-73. The Abuse allegedly occurred at St. John the Baptist Parish in Keeseville, and included battery and rape. Robillard died 3/19/09, at age 91.
Ordained: 1952
Status: Accused
 
Diocese of Greensburg, PA priest. First named publicly as accused in the 8/14/18 PA Grand Jury Report. Allegation 8/62 of attempted sexual assault by Rogers of an adolescent boy near Lake Saranac in NY. Diocese of Ogdensburg NY notified Greensburg’s Bishop Connare. Alleged victim told police in the Lake Saranac area that the attempted assault occurred after he was picked up hitch-hiking. The boy escaped and was able to give detailed information to police. The car was traced to Rogers, who was in the area visiting his mother. The boy’s description of the man in the car matched Rogers “perfectly.” Police confronted Rogers at a local church rectory; he denied the incident. The boy’s father, “a good Catholic,” was called to the rectory. He agreed not to press charges if Rogers stayed away from the area and admitted guilt. Police agreed. Rogers left town the same day. Rogers remained in parish ministry. Retired 11/98. Removed from public ministry after review of file in 2002. Died 2005.
Ordained: 1946
Status: Sued
 
Accused in a lawsuit filed 6/30/20 under the NY Child Victims Act of sexually abusing a minor in about 1961 at Sacred Heart of Jesus in Crown Point. Died 8/8/76.
Ordained: 1945
Status: Accused
 
First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult. Died 8/5/73.
Ordained: 1970
Status: Sued
 
Shurtleff was one of four priests removed from parish assignments in 6/02 as result of the zero-tolerance policy resulting from the recent Dallas Bishops’ Conference. Diocese said all four priests had substantiated allegations against them and all had been through some form of therapy. On diocese’s list 11/13/18. Named in lawsuits filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act.
Ordained: 1944
Status: Settled
 
In a letter to Bishop LaValley, a woman reported that Skurski sexually abused her as a child when he was assigned to the Ogdensburg diocese. The diocese provided financial assistance for counseling and, in 12/18, a $100K offer from the IRCP. Per his obituary, Skurski was assigned to parishes in CT, PA, MD, NY, MA, Nova Scotia, ME. Died in Shamokin PA 1/16/96.
Ordained: 1975
Status: Accused
 
First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list. Accused in a suit filed under the NY Child Victims Act in 2019 of abusing boy, age 14, over two years. His accuser said Squires began grooming him at age 11, when his mother was seriously ill with Multiple Sclerosis. The family were parishioners of St. John’s in Plattsburgh, where Squires was assigned.
Ordained: 1952
Status: Sued
 
Accused, along with Rev. Joseph Conti, in a lawsuit filed 4/1/21 of sexually abusing a boy, beginning when the boy was age 4 in 1968 and ending in the early 1970s when the boy was 8. St. Pierre was pastor of St. Peter’s in Plattsburgh during the time in question. Per the plaintiff, the abuse included sodomy and took place in a wooded area. The priests are said to have taken turns abusing the boy while the other would watch. St. Pierre was mayor of Plattsbugh 1972-77. He died 2/13/10.

Ordained: 1942
Status: Convicted
 
Named publicly in Canada 7/30/08 as accused. On 7/31/08 the Albany diocese acknowledged, in response to pressure from SNAP, that it had removed Stone from ministry in 1981 after he pled guilty to sodomizing two teenage brothers in Colonie, NY. He had worked in the Albany diocese for about 11 years. Prior to Albany, Stone worked in the Diocese of Ogdensburg, where he was also accused. After his 1981 conviction, and while on probation, Bishop LaRocque of Alexandria-Cornwall, Ontario, Canada hired Stone. LaRocque had full knowledge of Stone’s history of abuse. After new allegations in 1985, Larocque terminated him. Stone died in 11/06
Ordained: 1950
Status: Accused
 
First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult. Died 8/25/10.
Ordained: 1974
Status: Accused
 
First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult.
 
Ordained: 1945
Status: Sued
 
Monsignor. Accused in a lawsuit filed 6/8/20 of sexually abusing an altar boy, ages 10-15, many times during 1973-78. The abuse allegedly occurred at St. Joseph’s in West Chazy. Waterhouse died 12/28/95.
Ordained: 1974
Status: Sued
 
White was one of four priests removed from parish assignments in 6/02 as result of the zero-tolerance policy resulting from the recent Dallas Bishops’ Conference. He was pastor of St. Patrick’s in Brasher Falls at time of his removal. Diocese said all four priests had substantiated allegations against them and all had been through some form of therapy. Included on diocese’s list 11/13/18. Named in lawsuit(s) filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act.
Ordained: 1956
Status: Accused
 
First named publicly as accused by the diocese on its 11/13/18 list of priests credibly accused of sexual misconduct with a minor or vulnerable adult. Died 2/26/84.
Ordained: 1981
Status: Accused
 
Wisniewski was one of four priests removed from parish assignments in 6/02 as result of the zero-tolerance policy resulting from the recent Dallas Bishops’ Conference. Wisniewski was associate pastor for about two years at Notre Dame Pharish in Malone during the mid-1980s. Diocese said all four priests had substantiated allegations against them and all had been through some form of therapy. On diocese’s list 11/13/18.
Ordained: 1968
Status: Sued
 
In 4/02 a man told the diocese that Worczak molested him when he was age 11 in 1971, at Holy Family in Watertown. The priest allegedly touched the boy inappropriately and later kissed him. Worczak’s accuser said there were other victims. Bishop Barbarito kept Worczak in active ministry until 3/03. Parishioners said they were not informed as to why he was removed. The diocese offered to pay for counseling (past or future) but refused to admit to liability, saying the statute of limitations had passed. On diocese’s list 11/13/18. Named in lawsuit(s) filed in 8/19 under the NY Child Victims Act.

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