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. Dennis Riter – Diocese of Buffalo

Home  >  Sexual Abuse Law Blog  >  Fr. Dennis Riter – Diocese of Buffalo

November 7, 2019 | By Horowitz Law
Fr. Dennis Riter – Diocese of Buffalo

Father Dennis Riter

Father Dennis Riter

Ordained: 1971

Suspended: 2018

Assigned as Follows:

  • 1971-1977:     Church of Assumption (Lackawanna, NY)
  • 1977-1981:     St. Aloysius (Springville, NY)
  • 1981-1984:     St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (Dunkirk, NY)
  • 1981-1984:     Chaplain at Brooks Memorial Hospital (Dunkirk, NY)
  • 1982-1988:     Diocesan Spanish Apostolate (Buffalo, NY)
  • 1984-1986:     St. Brigid (Buffalo, NY)
  • 1986-1988:     St. Columba (Buffalo, NY)
  • 1988-1994:     Queen of All Saints (Lackawanna, NY)
  • 1994-2001:     Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Buffalo, NY)
  • 1994-2001:    St. Valentine (Buffalo, NY)
  • 2001-2002:    Not indexed
  • 2002-2008:    St. Mary's (Batavia, NY)
  • 2006-2008:    Diocesan Council of Priests (Buffalo, NY)
  • 2008-2016:    Diocsean Vicars (Buffalo, NY)
  • 2008-2018:    St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (Dunkirk, NY)

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations againt Father Dennis Riter:

According to media reports, in late March 2018, Father Dennis Riter was placed on administrative leave after allegations surfaced that he had sexual abused two altar boys at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Buffalo, New York. One of the victims stated that he was just 10 to 13-years-old when the abuse happened, and he had also witnessed the abuse of the other altar boy, who has since died.

The alleged victim claimed that Father Riter would invite them to play games in the rectory after mass and that is where the abuse mainly occurred. He had disclosed the incidents with his aunt in 2007, and the other boy's mother said that her son told her in 1997 that Father Riter tried to "play with him" underneath his robe on the altar during mass. She reported the abuse to a cousin who worked for the Diocese of Buffalo at the time, and was told they would "look into it."  In 2018, her cousin claimed that she did not recall having the conversation and knew nothing about the abuse.

According to media reports, in June of 2018, the Diocese said that the claims were unsubstantiated and Father Riter was reinstated to his ministry. His name was not included on the the Diocese of Buffalo's list of credibly accused priests released in March 2018.

A third alleged victim was discovered by a news outlet as of May 2018 as well. A former seminarian said that in 1992 he walked in Father Riter sexually abusing a 6-year-old boy.  The former seminarian says he told both Bishops Head and Grosz in a letter about what he had seen. He said their responses came months later and the answer was to keep it quiet.

As of July 2019, at least one lawsuit has officially been filed against Father Riter under the Child Victims Act in New York.

Father Riter died in February 2020.

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims of sexual abuse in the Diocese of Buffalo and throughout New York. The Diocese of Buffalo filed for federal bankruptcy protection in February 2020. Anyone sexually abused by a priest or employee of the Diocese of Buffalo 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 Buffalo will never be able to take action against the Diocese of Buffalo if they miss this bankruptcy filing deadline, so it is important that you contact us immediately to discuss your potential case.

Contact us at 888-283-9922 or adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com to discuss your legal options today.



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

  • What Kind of Attorney Handles Sexual Abuse Cases?
  • 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

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