DUNKIRK — A priest who is a Dunkirk native will be reassigned after an investigation by a Diocese of Buffalo Independent Review Board found “improper conduct did not rise to the level that would require removal from active priestly ministry.”

In a statement released Thursday morning, the Diocese of Buffalo noted Gatto was placed on administrative leave and underwent professional evaluation and remedial measures in accordance with diocesan policies following a complaint involving an alleged sexual advance made on an adult. “Please note that this administrative leave is for the purpose of investigation and does not imply any determination as to the truth and falsity of the complaint,” the diocese stated on its website in September.

Bishop Richard J. Malone said accepted the board’s recommendations and will determine Gatto’s assignments at the appropriate time.

Gatto is an alumnus of Holy Trinity Elementary School and Cardinal Mindszety High School. In 1979, he graduated from Wadham’s Hall Seminary College, Ogdensburg and in 1982 he received his Bachelor of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, Italy.

He was ordained a priest at his home parish, Holy Trinity Church on July 9, 1983.

Gatto had been the president and rector of Christ the King Seminary in Amherst, which prepares men for the priesthood in the Buffalo Diocese.

He was accused of making a sexual advance on an adult male in 2000.

In an interview with WKBW-TV last fall, he denied the accusation and said he was already planning on stepping down from his position, saying he was suffering from burnout and needed to take a break.