Another case involving abusive priests in New York has been linked to the Home for Wayward Boys in Knox, which allegedly was run by a pedophile who lived onsite.

Rev. Gerard R. “Jerry” Miller was a priest of the Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette order. He ran the home for several years in the mid-1980s, during which time he allegedly repeatedly committed sexual assault against teenage boys whose parents trusted the priest would provide guidance and care to their sons.

Attorneys for two of the victims sent legal documents to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany in addition to the district attorney’s office in Albany County.

According to an article in The Times Union, the legal documents say in part that Miller allegedly committed not only “rape and sexual assault… but also the trafficking of children across state lines, along with obstruction of justice and concealment of criminal behavior.”

The victims allege Miller drove them to Massachusetts and to Georgia where another priest known only as Father Jim took part in the sexual assaults as well. At times, Father Jim would visit Miller in Altamont, during which both abusive priests would sexually assault boys at the same time on Miller’s waterbed.

The victims recall that when they first moved in to the Home for Wayward Boys, they were impressed by a big screen TV, a pool table, and trips to the mall where Miller bought them expensive brand-name sneakers and other treasures. When they went out to eat, Miller let them have whatever they wanted on the menu and even bought them alcoholic drinks, although they were all under age.

The price the boys paid for their newly lavish lifestyle was too high. The victims say they remember all the teen boys playing pool or watching TV and hearing Miller shout the names of those he demanded come to his bedroom. Every boy hoped and prayed he would not hear his name, one victim told The Times Union.

Holding Abusive Priests Accountable

The state of New York passed the Child Victims Act earlier this year to allow criminal charges against those who sexually abuse children to be filed until victims turn 28, increased from age 23.

The Child Victims Act also allows survivors to seek civil action against their abusers until the survivors turn 55 years old. There is also a one-year, one-time-only window that allows victims to seek civil action regardless of how many years ago the abuse occurred. That period of time begins Aug. 14, 2019.

The Child Victims Act applies to abuse committed not only by leaders of the Catholic Church, but to abusers at all public and private institutions.

The Times Union reported public records indicate Miller left the Catholic Church years ago, married, and lives his wife in Florida. He is now 69 years old.

One of the two victims is now 49 years old and is a married father of three children. The other victim is now 51 and is married with five children. They both still live in the state of New York.

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