Skip to content
Call Today: 888-283-9922
Horowitz Law Logo
  • Our Team
    • Adam Horowitz
    • Jessica Arbour
    • Elana Goodman
    • Robin Kissin
    • DeeDee Scheller
    • Eric Cantor
    • Alexandra Slater
    • Attorney Referrals
    • Testimonials
  • Who We Sue For Sexual Assault
    • Churches & Other Religious Organizations
    • Massage Businesses
    • Doctors, Healthcare, & Hospitals
    • Schools & Universities
    • Boy Scouts of America
    • Cruise Ships & Yachts
    • Summer Camp
    • Cheer & Other Youth Sports
    • Sexual Assault By Uber & Lyft Drivers
  • Sexual Abuse Practice
    • Child Sexual Abuse
  • FAQ
  • Media Coverage
    • Reported Cases
  • Legal Blog
  • Search
Contact Us

Fr. John M. Costello – Diocese of Rochester

Home  >  Sexual Abuse Law Blog  >  Fr. John M. Costello – Diocese of Rochester

June 23, 2019 | By Horowitz Law
Fr. John M. Costello – Diocese of Rochester

Father John Costello, s.j.
Diocese of Rochester/Jesuits

Ordained: 1984
Removed from ministry: 2003
Reinstated: 2004

Assigned as follows:

  • Regis High School, New York (Manhattan), NY
  • 1984-1985: Regis University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • 1985- 1988: McQuaid Jesuit High School, Rochester, NY
  • 1988-1989: Jesuit Community at Fordham University, New York, NY
  • 1989-1992: Canisius High School, Buffalo, NY
  • 1992- 1998: McQuaid Jesuit High School, Rochester, NY
  • 1998-1999: Jesuit Provincial’s Office, Bronx, NY
  • 1999-2005: McQuaid Jesuit High School, Rochester, NY
  • 2005-2015: Murray-Weigel Hall, Bronx, NY
  • 2009-2015: Fordham Preparatory School

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Father John M. Costello:

In 2003, Father John Costello was accused in of sexually abusing a 15-year-old male student in 1980 while he was a teacher and seminarian at Regis High School in the New York Archdiocese, where Costello worked before ordination.

Upon receiving the allegations, the Jesuits suspended him from his job at McQuaid High School in the Diocese of Rochester. He was reinstated in January 2004 because, according to the Jesuits, the accuser had recanted.

Costello was transferred in 2005 to Murray-Weigel Hall, a Jesuit residence in the Bronx, where he was given the role of “minister.” He was also assigned to campus ministry at Fordham Prep High School.

He is believed to be in active ministry at Fordham Prep at this time.

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims of sexual abuse in the Diocese of Rochester.  The Diocese of Rochester in New York filed for bankruptcy protection in 2019.  Our lawyers are now offering free legal consultations to discuss a potential lawsuit and your other options as a survivor of sexual abuse by priests and other employees of the Rochester Diocese.  

Very strict filing deadlines have now been set by the Bankruptcy Court.  Most victims of abuse will never be able to recover damages if they miss this deadline, so please contact us to discuss your case today.    Call us at 888-283-9922 or send an e-mail to adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com.

Safeguard Your Future with Professional Legal Support

"*" indicates required fields

First Name*
Last Name*
How Would You Like To Be Contacted?
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
Disclaimer*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Related Blogs

  • How Can a Lawyer Help File a Sexual Abuse Claim Against Organizations?
  • Fr. Bernard Schmaltz – Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
  • Fr. Gerald Prinz – Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
  • Father Gerard Kinane – Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
  • How Do I File a Sexual Abuse Claim Against Clergy?
  • Fr. William Mannion, Jr. – Archdiocese of Baltimore
  • Health Department Issues Order Revoking Tommie James’ Massage Therapy License
  • Finding strength: Overcoming blame and embracing courage
  • Horowitz Law Client Sues Fontainebleau Hotel For Sexual Assault in Spa
  • What counts as a sexual assault during a massage?

Skilled Advocacy

Cycles Of Abuse And Fear Stop Here

The physical and emotional pain that stems from sexual abuse and assault can be devastating and have lasting, catastrophic effects on one’s life. If you or someone you love has been sexually assaulted or molested, contact a lawyer for sexual assault and child molestation victims today at 954-641-2100.

Meet Our Team

Contact Horowitz Law

While this website provides general information, it does not constitute legal advice. The best way to get guidance on your specific legal issue is to contact a lawyer. To schedule a meeting with an attorney, please call the firm or complete the intake form.

 

Cycles Of Abuse And Fear Stop Here

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
How Would You Like To Be Contacted?
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
Disclaimer*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Fort Lauderdale, FL
110 E Broward Blvd, Suite 1530
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-641-2100
Horowitz Law Logo
  • About
  • Blog
  • Team
© 2025 Horowitz Law   Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Sitemap