The New York Diocese of Buffalo has come under scrutiny for a possible Catholic sex abuse cover up, resulting in a grand jury investigation.

Attorneys leading the case reportedly issued a third round of subpoenas to the Diocese of Buffalo and its Bishop Richard J. Malone. Although the first subpoenas were issued in March, this round is significant because it is the first confirmation of the grand jury investigation.

“It’s very significant because that means they have taken this investigation to the next level,” attorneys told WKBW. “Now we know that there is a federal grand jury that is specifically tasked with looking at these claims, these allegations.”

The diocese is accused of a Catholic sex abuse cover up. If the diocese covered up important facts or concealed allegations against their priests, they may be in violation of the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act. The RICO Act is essential in curbing fraudulent behavior by organizations.

“We think that they could be looking at RICO,” attorneys explained. “The obstruction of justice, which is a predicate act. Moving priests around. Did they destroy any records? Did they withhold any records? Were there any incorrect, untruthful communications to law enforcement? And fraud is also a predicate act.”

The grand jury investigation will not focus on prosecuting individual cases of sexual abuse. Instead, the investigation may focus on a larger Catholic sex abuse cover up conspiracy that may involve authorities within the diocese, lawyers, and others who were complicit in the cover up.

The diocese responded to WKBW’s article on the issue through the following statement by spokeswoman Kathy Spangler: “The diocese has not received any confirmation from law enforcement authorities as to the scope of any investigation. Nor have the authorities announced any details of the investigation so the diocese will not participate in the speculation. We will continue to cooperate with the requests for information as we receive them.”

The Diocese of Buffalo has had numerous priests accused of sexual abuse of a minor, with the full list of accused priests available on the diocese’s website. The diocese says these priests “were removed from ministry, were retired, or left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor.” Some of the priests have died, which is noted within the list.

The diocese’s website also acknowledges that people place a special trust in Church leaders that “must never be violated.” In order to “promote and honor that trust”, the diocese has pledged itself to provide a safe environment for the children and vulnerable adults in the Catholic Church.

“Christian principles dictate that we have a special concern for those who are most vulnerable and those who cannot fully care for themselves,” the Buffalo Diocese’s website states.

In addition to renewing their determination to provide safe spaces, Bishop Malone announced a clergy abuse settlement program in March 2018. Although the program was announced with great fanfare, it has been criticized by the public. Individuals have argued that the program was inadequately staffed and had an insufficient response to allegations of clergy sexual abuse.

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.