Diocese: Diocese of Rockville Centre
Summary of Assignments:
- 1993-1998: Our Lady of Lourdes; West Islip, NY
- 1998-2000: St. Philip Neri; Northport, NY
- 2000-2001: St. Raphael’s; East Meadow, NY
- 2001-2002: Absent on leave
Notes: Arrested 5/01 and charged with sexual abuse of a 13 year old youth over a year and a half period. Another allegation surfaced involving a 22 yr old man abused about 10 yrs previously (before ordination??). Pleaded guilty in 2002-2003 on two separate charges. Sentenced 2003 to 2 yrs jail and to 6 mo jail and 5 yrs probation. Released 4/04 and requested laicization. Identified as Priest W in Suffolk Co. Grand Jury report of 1/03. On NY Sex Offender Registry.
Sources: 3.4.03 Statement by Michael Hands; Newsday 1.3.03; Newsday 1.3.03 Excerpts from Sworn Statement by Michael Hands; Newsday 1.9.03; Newsday 3.4.03; Newsday 3.8.02; Newsday 5.1.04; Newsday.com 2.5.03; Newsday.com 01.14.03; Suffolk County Grand Jury Report 01.17.03; NY Times 03.02.03; Newsday 03.12.03; Newsday 03.13.03; Newsday 04.12.05; http://bishop-accountability.org/; BA.org Assignment Record and Other Info
Note: Years listed indicate editions of the Official Catholic Directory. Because of the publication schedule of the Directory, a priest listed at a parish in a given year was also likely at that parish for part of the previous year.