Fr. Robert J. Schober
Diocese of Buffalo
Ordained: 1977
Retired: 2020
Administrative Leave: 2021
Reinstated: 2022
Assignment History
- 1980s: Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Elma, NY)
- 1990s: Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church (Portville, NY)
- 2014-2021: Kenmore Mercy Hospital (Buffalo, NY)
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father Robert J. Schober:
In August 2021, a lawsuit filed in New York State court under the NY Child Victims Act accused Fr. Robert J. Schober, of the Diocese of Buffalo, of engaging in sexual contact with a minor from 1980 to 1985 while working at Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Elma, NY. The allegation against Fr. Schober came to light after informational documents were filed with the federal bankruptcy court as part of the Diocese’s reorganization proceedings. According to media reports, Fr. Schober was the associate pastor of the parish, and the child was 8 to 13 years old at the time of the alleged incident. Although Fr. Schober denied the accusation, he was placed on administrative leave in September 2021 pending investigation.
In May 2022, the Diocese of Buffalo’s internal review board cleared Schober of the allegation after Bishop Michael Fisher determined Schober committed no wrongdoing. Schober was returned to ministry in May 2022. The diocese said it followed “rigorous policies and protocols” in dealing with the allegations in question, including notifying the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, which declined to act on any of the allegations. Rather than exercise an abundance of caution for the safety of children, Schober is allowed to practice ministry once again.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims of sexual abuse in the Diocese of Buffalo in New York. The Diocese of Buffalo filed for bankruptcy protection in February 2020. 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 Buffalo Diocese. Very strict filing deadlines will soon be 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. Contact us at 888-283-9922 or [email protected] to discuss your options today.