Father Adolph Kowalczyk
Diocese of Buffalo
Ordained: Unknown
Assigned as follows:
- Sacred Heart School
- Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church (Orchard Park, NY)
Summary of Abuse Allegations against Father Adolph Kowalczyk:
Three priests were placed on leave from ministry in the Buffalo Diocese in May 2021, in response to claims that they sexually abused a boy in the 1990s, the Diocese of Buffalo announced Saturday. One of the priests placed on leave was Fr. Adolph Kowalczyk.
Bishop Michael Fisher said the priests all "deny ever committing any acts of abuse" but were placed on leave pending an investigation.
According to media reports, the lawsuit was filed by an Erie County man who had been a student at Sacred Heart School at the time of the alleged abuse. Fisher states that placing the priests on leave is in no way indicating that they are guilty and that the truth is to be determined.
The man filing suit is claiming that the priests forced him and other students to engage in sexual contact with other underage female students. He's also claiming that these acts were filmed by the priests. The alleged abuse occurred on school grounds and in "the confessional rooms," according to the lawsuit.
According to the lawsuit, Kowalczyk is accused of committing the abuse when the plaintiff was about 9 to 11 years old between 1994 and 1996.
In October 2021, the Bishop of Buffalo reinstated Kowalczyk to active ministry after the self-serving internal investigation by the Diocese failed to substantiate the allegations, along with the others accused in the lawsuit.
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.