Father Donald J. Hebert
Ordained: 1981
Removed: 2003
Assigned as follows:
- 1987 - 1990 Most Holy Rosary (Syracuse, NY)
- 1991 Unknown
- 1992 - 2003 St. Luke (Utica, NY)
- 1996 - 1999 Special assignment
- 1998 - 2002 St. George (Utica, NY)
- 1998 - 2002 St. Joseph and St. Patrick (Utica, NY)
- 2003 Mother Marianne Cope Residence for Retired Priests (Utica, NY)
- 2004 - 2007 Army National Guard
- 2008 - 2018 Unknown
Summary of Abuse Allegations Against Father Donald J. Hebert:
According to media reports, in April 2002, Father Donald J. Hebert was removed as pastor of St. Joseph and St. Patrick Church in Utica and reassigned to an administrative position because he sexually abused a teenage boy. In 1990, a child alleged that Father Hebert sexually abused him during a camping trip. He was a coordinator for religious activities for Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts throughout the Diocese of Syracuse.
Police did not charge Father Hebert, though he did admit the abuse. He was sent to St. Luke's Institute, an out-of-state treatment facility. The victim's mother said her son wanted to press charges until Father Hebert apologized. When the Diocese of Syracuse told the family Father Hebert was going to be treated, the boy changed his mind, she said. The boy also received psychological treatment paid for by the Diocese of Syracuse.
"He'll have to live with this for the rest of his life," the mother said. "All I know is Father Don is going to be away for a long time. I don't hate him, but I hate what he did. If this happened to any other boys, I hope they come forward like we did."
Father Hebert was among 32 priests in the Diocese of Syracuse who was removed as part of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People that was established in June 2002.
In June 2003, the Diocese of Syracuse permanently removed Father Hebert from ministry.
Father Hebert's name appeared publicly on the Diocese of Syracuse's list of clergy credibly accused of sexual abuse of minors, published in December 2018.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Syracuse in New York. The Diocese of Syracuse filed for federal bankruptcy protection in June 2020. Anyone sexually abused by a priest or employee of the Diocese of Syracuse may be entitled to file a claim against the Diocese in these bankruptcy proceedings, but very strict filing deadlines apply. Most victims of abuse in the Diocese of Syracuse will never be able to take any legal action if they miss this bankruptcy filing deadline, so it is important that you contact us immediately to discuss your potential case. Our lawyers have decades of experience representing survivors of clergy sexual abuse in New York and nationwide. We can help.
Contact us at 888-283-9922 or adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com to discuss your options today.