Schenectady priest withdraws from public ministry as abuse claim is investigated

A priest in the Albany Roman Catholic Diocese is voluntarily withdrawing from public ministry as the Diocesan Review Board investigates a sexual abuse claim against him.

Father Vincent Ciotoli is Pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace in Rotterdam and Saint Margaret of Cortona in Rotterdam Junction.

In a statement released late Saturday afternoon, Bishop Edward Scharfenberger said, out of an abundance of cauution and sensitivity to all concerned, he has accepted Father Ciotoli’s decision.

Father Ciotoli maintains his innocence.