© 2024 WSHU
NPR News & Classical Music
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
We received reports that some iPhone users with the latest version of iOS (v17.4) cannot play audio via the Grove Persistent Player.
While we work to fix the issue, we recommend downloading the WSHU app.

New Allegations Of Child Sex Abuse In Rockville Center Diocese

Italianfreak00
/
Wikimedia Commons
St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Center, Long Island

Three new civil complaints have been filed against the Diocese of Rockville Centre on Long Island. 

The plaintiffs are using a one-year window offered by New York to seek damages from their alleged offenders.

The complaints allege four members of the Diocese, including Bishop John McGann when he was a monsignor, two other priests, and an employee of the Diocese sexually abused three minors between 1963 and 1971. 

Joanne Jack, one of the plaintiffs, called in by phone to announce the complaints in front of St. Agnes Cathedral.

“I believe these abuses, these violations, jeopardized my entire destiny. It followed me throughout my life, the guilt and the shame, the unworthiness.”

The complaint is requesting a trial by jury. The lawyer representing the plaintiffs says the case would have little chance of going forward without the Child Victims Act, which extends the statute of limitations for a survivor of sexual abuse. 

All four alleged abusers are deceased.

In a statement the Diocese says it takes all allegations seriously, and reported these allegations to law enforcement when first raised in February. Those accused are deceased and cannot defend themselves, and that the Diocese is fully committed to the protection of minors

Jay Shah is a former Long Island bureau chief at WSHU.
Related Content