The Catholic Diocese of Buffalo announced Wednesday afternoon that Father Samuel T. Giangreco, Jr. has been placed on admnistrative leave following a complaint of "sexual misconduct involving an adult female."
The diocese confirmed the complaint and the suspension on its website but added "this administrative leave is for the purpose of investigation and does not imply any determination as to the truth or falsity of the complaint."
Giangreco was ordained in 2016 and was assigned to Our Lady of Victory Basilica in Lackawanna. He previously served as a deacon until he enrolled at Christ the King Seminary. As a seminarian, his assignments included St. John Neumann (Strykersville), Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph (Niagara Falls), St. Martin of Tours (Buffalo), Immaculate Conception (East Aurora) and St. John Vianney (Orchard Park).
A few weeks ago Father Giangreco stepped forward, speaking to reporters before attending a priests meeting with Bishop Richard Malone. He stated the sexual abuse scandal has been 'demoralizing' before heading into the diocesan-wide meeting November 5.
