Priest abused Children, ages 5-11, last year (2007)

Syracuse Diocese priest accused of abuse in Montgomery County Posted by jcrocker February 27, 2008 Syracuse, NY -- A priest of the Syracuse Diocese has been charged with felony sex abuse and endangering the welfare of a child in Montgomery County. The Rev. John W. Broderick, 47, was suspended from ministry early this year for incidents unrelated to sexual abuse, said Danielle Cummings, assistant chancellor and diocesan spokeswoman. She said she could not discuss specifics, but confirmed that Broderick was disciplined for "lack of pastoral judgment." Cummings said she and diocesan officials learned today about Broderick's arrest on Monday. State police in Fonda say Broderick engaged in inappropriate sexual contact last year with at least four children, ages 5 to 11. The victims' family told investigators Broderick was considered their spiritual adviser. Broderick was charged with three counts of first-degree sexual abuse and one count of second-degree sexual abuse, all felonies, and four misdemeanor counts of endangering the welfare of a child. He was arrested at Holy Name of Jesus Academy in Massena. Cummings does not know the nature or duration of Broderick's relationship with the school. No one answered the phone at the school tonight. Broderick is a native of Endwell and was ordained in 1989. He served at St. Joseph, Camillus; Our Lady of Sorrows, Vestal; and St. Malachy, Sherburne. It's not clear where Broderick has been living since his suspension. Cummings said the diocese received no previous complaints accusing Broderick of sexual abuse. The Syracuse Diocese has removed 23 priests from ministry since 2002 as a result of credible allegations of sexual abuse. About 100 people have accused 50 local priests of sexual abuse since 1950. Diocesan investigations have cleared nine priests.