Buffalo Bishop Michael Fisher places retired priest on administrative leave

The Diocese of Buffalo on Wednesday announced it “recently became aware of an action brought pursuant to the Child Victims Act by an individual who alleges that he was abused as a child fifteen years ago by Rev. Msgr. James G. Kelly (83), a retired priest of the Diocese of Buffalo, but who continues to assist in parish ministry. The complaint has been filed anonymously and was not served on the diocese but was discovered during a recent search of publicly filed complaints.

“Upon learning of the complaint, the diocese notified the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, reached out to the attorney for the plaintiff, and confronted Msgr. Kelly, who denied committing any acts of abuse. The diocese also reported the matter to the independent review board, which will be responsible for appointing an independent investigator. 

“Because the plaintiff did not file a complaint with the diocese’s victim assistance coordinator, the diocese reached out to the plaintiff’s attorney to determine whether the plaintiff is willing to cooperate with an investigation and provide all relevant details related to the allegations. While the diocese was awaiting a response, another anonymous complaint filed today by a plaintiff alleging that he was abused in the early 1980s by Msgr. Kelly.

“As a result, Bishop Fisher has decided to place Msgr. Kelly on administrative leave pending a thorough investigation by the appointed independent investigator and a final determination by the independent review board. Bishop Fisher wishes to emphasize that the decision to place Msgr. Kelly on administrative leave at this time is in no way intended to indicate his guilt or is it a determination about the truth or falsity of the complaints.”