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Abuse charges substantiated against Ellicottville priest, 2 other priests cleared

Holy Name of Mary Roman Catholic Church

The Diocese of Buffalo, its Review Board and Bishop Richard Malone have determined the immediate fates of three priests accused of sexual abuse.

The Diocese says allegations of abuse have been lodged against Rev. Ronald Mierzwa of Holy Name of Mary Roman Catholic Church in Ellicottville and Rev. John Sardina and Rev. Robert Stolinski, who are both retired. Mierzwa and Sardina were placed on administrative leave, per diocesan investigative policy, in September, while Stolinski was placed on leave in June.

The Diocese says the charges against Mierzwa have been substantiated and he will continue on administrative leave while his charges are reviewed at the Vatican, per vatican policy. Allegations of child abuse against the two other priests were not substantiated. Sardina and Stolinski are being returned to ministry.

Mark Wozniak, WBFO's local All Things Considered host, has been at WBFO since mid-1978.
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