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A priest who previously oversaw a Dunkirk parish has been placed on leave by the Diocese of Buffalo after an individual came forward alleging that he was abused as a child in the 1990s.
The complaint, which was filed through the Child Victims Act, was brought anonymously and not served on the Diocese but was discovered during a recent search of publicly filed complaints.
Named in the allegations are the Rev. Mieczyslaw "Matt" Nycz, pastor of SS. Peter and Paul in Williamsville. Nycz previously oversaw the Blessed Mary Angela Parish in Dunkirk that is made up of St. Hedwig's and the St. Hyacinth's churches until 2016. He also oversaw an Angola church.
Also named in the suit are Fr. Adolph Kowalczyk, pastor of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Orchard Park and Fr. Gregory Dobson, who is retired but continues to assist in various parishes of the Diocese.
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 the three accused priests, all of whom deny ever 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.
In the meantime, Bishop Michael Fisher has decided to place the three priests on administrative leave pending a thorough investigation by the appointed independent investigator and a final determination by the Independent Review Board.
Fisher wishes to emphasize that the decision to place the priests on administrative leave at this time is in no way intended to indicate their guilt or any determination about the truth or falsity of the complaint.