Father Samuel Venne
Diocese of Buffalo
Ordained: 1978
Placed on Leave: 2018
Assignment History:
- Our Lady of Pompei (Depew, NY)
- St. Stephen’s Parish (Grand Island, NY)
- Boy Scout Chaplain
- Unnamed parishes in Buffalo, Batavia, South Buffalo, Niagara Falls
- Pendleton Nursing Home
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father Samuel Venne:
Father Samuel Venne was ordained to the priesthood in 1978. He worked in many parishes around New York and was a Boy Scout chaplain and scoutmaster during his career. According to media reports, in April 2018, he was placed on administrative leave amidst allegations of past child sexual abuse. The alleged abuse dates back to the 1980s, while he was serving at Our Lady of Pompei in Depew, NY.
After two months of investigating the claims against Father Venne, the Diocese of Buffalo determined that the allegations were substantiated. No specific information was disclosed regarding the age or gender of the victim. Details of the allegation, including when and where the alleged misconduct occurred, are also unknown. Father Venne denied all charges against him.
In April 2020, he was one of 23 priests removed from the Diocese of Buffalo’s payroll through an agreement it reached with survivors in U.S. Bankruptcy Court. In May 2021, the Vatican announced that Father Venne would be suspended from ministry for seven years, during which he could not present himself as a priest in good standing. Father Venne refused to sign the precept with the conditions of his punishment and plans to appeal the decision.
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 [email protected] to discuss your legal options today.