Local priest accused of 27-year-old sex crime

WYNANTSKILL -- Father Salvatore Rodino of St. Jude the Apostle in Wynantskill has been placed on administrative leave after a sexual abuse allegation against him surfaced. The abuse incident reportedly occurred in the mid-1980s while Rodino served at the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Albany.

In a statement to CBS 6, Bishop of Albany Howard J. Hubbard said, "On the recommendation of the Review Board's investigation, I have determined there are reasonable grounds to believe this allegation and have placed Father Rodino on Administrative leave. Father Rodino denies inappropriate contact with any youth."

A number of parishoners at St. Jude the Apostle said they do not believe Father Rodino is guilty and insisted he has only done good for their church.

Mark Lyman, director of Survivors Network for those Abused by Priests (SNAP), says parishoners should take caution. "If anyone believes they may have been a victim they should come forward," Lyman said. "Sexual predators are masters at deception."

When the Albany County District Attorney's office did not pursue any criminal charges against Rodino in the summer, the Diocese decided to begin their own investigation.

While on administrative leave, Father Rodino is not permitted to live at the church rectory. He may not perform any duties as a priest.