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. Michael R. Hands – Diocese of Rockville Centre

Home  >  Sexual Abuse Law Blog  >  Fr. Michael R. Hands – Diocese of Rockville Centre

January 22, 2020 | By Horowitz Law
Fr. Michael R. Hands – Diocese of Rockville Centre

Father Michael Hands

Ordained: 1993

Removed: 2002

Laicized: 2004

Died: 2018

Assigned as follows:

  • 1993-1998      Our Lady of Lourdes (West Islip, NY) 
  • 1999-2000      St. Philip Neri (Northport, NY) 
  • 2001                St. Raphael (East Meadow, NY)   
  • 2002                Absent on Leave
  • 2003-2017      Easton Mountain Retreat (Greenwich, NY)

Summary of Abuse Allegations Against Father Michael Hands:

According to media reports, Father Michael Hands was removed from ministry in 2002, after he pleaded guilty on two separate charges of sexually abusing a 13-year-old boy over a period of a year and a half from 2000 to 2001, and another 12-year-old boy ten years earlier while at St. Raphael. To secure a more lenient sentence, Father Hands became a key witness for the Suffolk County grand jury that investigated how abuse cases were handled in the Diocese of Rockville Centre. 

Father Hands was sentenced to two years in jail in 2003. In an effort to explain his actions, he said that he was sexually abused as a teen by Monsignor Charles "Bud" Ribaudo, during his first three years at Trinity High School in Hicksville, New York. 

In the 2003 Suffolk County Grand Jury report, Father Hands was identified as Priest W. 

His name was listed on the NY Sex Offender Registry until March 2013. In April 2004, he was released from prison and requested laicization. He is also listed on the Diocese of Rockville Centre's 2021 List of Clergy Credibly Accused of Sexual Abuse of a Minor. 

In February 2018, Fr. Hands pleaded guilty on two felony counts of criminal sexual acts for a sexual relationship with an underage teenage boy in Charlton, Florida. The charges included sodomy, sex abuse, and using a child in a sexual performance. He was also accused of possession and distribution of child pornography. According to media reports, later that month, he was found dead in his jail cell after an apparent suicide just days before he was to be sentenced to state prison.

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Rockville Centre in New York.  If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in New York, contact our office today. In October 2020, the Rockville Centre Diocese filed for federal bankruptcy protection.  The Court will resolve all claims of sexual abuse in this process but strict filing deadlines will apply and no late claims will be considered, so contact us today.  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.

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

Notifications