News Media Statement

June 6, 2018

The Diocese of Rochester has been in correspondence for several months with the Garabedian
law firm regarding the individuals named publicly at the news conference today. The Diocese
has invited participation in a process of investigation and resolution. We have had little or no
response.
Regarding the individuals named today:
Eugene Emo, David Simon and Francis Vogt are among those listed, since 2012, on our
website as priests who were removed from public ministry for sexual abuse of a minor. That list
can be found at http://www.dor.org/index.cfm/safe-environment/dispositions-2002-present/
The Diocese has never received any complaints of clergy sexual abuse of a minor against
Fathers G. Stuart Hogan, Charles McCarthy and Richard Orlando, each of whom retired as
a priest and are now deceased.
The Diocese never received any complaints of clergy sexual abuse of a minor against Gary
Shaw, who resigned from ministry in 1977 and was dispensed from the clerical state in 1978.
The allegation against Father Thomas J. Valenti was investigated, reviewed and determined to
be unsubstantiated. No further complaints of sexual abuse of a minor against Father Valenti have
ever been received.
The Diocese of Rochester treats all claims of abuse most seriously and has done so for decades,
long before the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued the Charter for the
Protection of Children and Young People in 2002.
To assist in the resolution of any claim of clerical sexual abuse of a minor – regardless when it is
alleged to have occurred – the Diocese has retained Hon. Robert J. Lunn, a retired New York
State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Justice whose practice currently concentrates on
mediation and arbitration of civil claims. Justice Lunn, who is a Member of the National
Academy of Distinguished Neutrals, is a partner in the firm of Trevett Cristo, P.C., in Rochester,
New York (www.trevettcristo.com). While on the bench and also in private practice, Justice
Lunn has had extensive experience in reviewing, assessing and resolving claims of sexual abuse.
If a claimant consents to participate, Justice Lunn will review all required documentation relating
to the claim, evaluate the merits on a case-by-case basis and make a final decision regarding
appropriate compensation for the victim. When administering any claim of clerical sexual abuse
of a minor, Justice Lunn will serve independently of the Diocese. His decision regarding will be
final. The Diocese has agreed to accept his determination without appeal.
“I again wish to re-state to the victims and all the faithful my deep sorrow, regret and empathy
for those who have suffered so grievously the sin of sexual abuse. I continue to offer fervent
prayers for those who have been hurt and betrayed, and I ask all the faithful to join with me in
these prayers,” said The Most Reverend Salvatore R. Matano, Bishop of Rochester.
Victims of clergy sexual abuse of a minor are encouraged to contact civil authorities. To receive
help and guidance from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, please contact Mrs. Deborah
Housel, victim assistance coordinator, at (585) 328-3210, ext. 1555, or toll-free 1-800-388-7177,
ext. 1555 or by e-mail to victimsassistance@dor.org.
Upon receiving notification of any such claim, regardless when it occurred, the Diocese, in
addition to promptly notifying appropriate civil authorities, conducts its own investigation,
which is reviewed by an independent Review Board of experts in law, child protection, law
enforcement and psychology.