(Albany) Diocese faces new lawsuit

Capital News 9 ^ | July 14, 2004 | Jessica Schneider

[sidewalk]

It's been three weeks since the conclusion of Mary Jo White's independent investigation clearing Bishop Howard Hubbard of any wrongdoing. But now, attorney John Aretakis is attacking the Albany Diocese once again, and it's contained in a 34-page lawsuit.

Aretakis is holding a meeting with reporters this afternoon announcing the new lawsuit that's being filed in Boston, but names Bishop Howard Hubbard and the Albany Diocese as defendants.

Area resident David Leonard, now an adult, said he was sexually abused by a Boston area priest as a young boy. He also said he was manipulated into a homosexual relationship as an adult by Schenectady priest Father Anthony Curran. Curran is now the associate pastor at both St. John the Evangelist and St. Mary's, both in Schenectady.

The Albany Catholic Diocese is facing another sexual abuse lawsuit.

Ken Goldfarb, the spokesman for the Albany Diocese, said he has yet to hear of any complaint filed by Aretakis on behalf of Leonard. However, he said when the complaint is filed, it will be investigated thoroughly.

Capital News 9 will have more information later this afternoon.

[NYer]

Thanks for the post!

[Siobhan]

Noted.

[sinkspur]

Aretakis is noted for filing lawsuits outside the statute of limitations. In fact, every single suit he's filed has been outside the statute of limitations! There's little doubt that this one is as well.

I will say again, that I have no use for Hubbard. But this attorney is clearly ambulance-chasing, throwing things against the wall to see what will stick.