LEAVING A TRAIL OF ACCUSATIONS (At least 7 priests were removed from Long Island)

In a pattern that critics say mirrors nationwide trends, at least seven priests have been moved from Long Island to other dioceses after they were accused of sexually abusing children.  It is a practice that experts say can be dangerous to the community, and one that Long Island church officials now say they will no longer condone.

THE ACCUSED PRIESTS

A look at the seven priests who have been accused of sexual abuse on Long Island and who have since been moved.

Matthew Fitzgerald, 61

Time of Alleged Abuse: 1984

Where Alleged Abuse Occurred: St. Brigid's, Westbury

Left Long Island: 1989

Moved To: Florida

Status: Lost priestly faculties two weeks ago.

Jerry Chasse, Age unknown

Time of Alleged Abuse: 1972-76

Where Alleged Abuse Occurred: St. Luke's, Brentwood

Left Long Island: 1977

Moved To: Montana

Status: Left priesthood in 1980

Salvatore Miraglia, 54

Time of Alleged Abuse: 1982

Where Alleged Abuse Occurred: Our Holy Redeemer, Freeport

Left Long Island: 1982

Moved To: Florida

Status: Active priest in Pompano Beach, Florida

John Butler, 72

Time of Alleged Abuse: 1959-64

Where Alleged Abuse Occurred: St. Joseph's, Kings Park

Left Long Island: 1964

Moved To: Brooklyn, then New Jersey

Status: Lost priestly faculties on April 11, 2002

Robert Huneke, 62

Time of Alleged Abuse: 1971-77

Where Alleged Abuse Occurred: St. Dominic's High School, Oyster Bay

Left Long Island: 1979

Moved To: Florida, then Georgia

Status: Left priesthood 1989

Peter Duvelsdorf, 71

Time of Alleged Abuse: 1978

Where Alleged Abuse Occurred: St. Rose of Lim, Massapequa

Left Long Island: 1991

Moved To: Florida

Status: Retired in 1998

Thomas DeVita, 55

Time of Alleged Abuse: 1978

Where Alleged Abuse Occurred: St. Joseph's, Kings Park

Left Long Island: 1994

Moved To: Florida, then Michigan

Status: Active pastor in New Buffalo, Michigan

(New York)