(Statement issued by the Diocese of Albany, December 14, 2005,
in response to a lawsuit filed in federal court in New York by Fr. Robert Hoatson)
Another John Aretakis Lawsuit
John Aretakis has repeatedly discredited the cause of legitimate victims of sexual abuse by churning out frivolous "press release lawsuits" and making false allegations against Bishop Hubbard, other priests and public officials in the Capital District.
His allegations against Bishop Hubbard were thoroughly scrutinized and thoroughly repudiated by an exhaustive independent investigation by former U.S. Attorney Mary Jo White, who found that Mr. Aretakis had sought to induce people to make false claims against the Bishop.
Mr. Aretakis has disgraced his own profession attacking judges, including a state Supreme Court Judge who fined him $7,500 for repeatedly making false statements and who called his arguments "so disingenuous as to be unethical and unbecoming an attorney." He is currently facing criminal charges in Rensselaer County for allegedly stealing documents from a process server serving court documents. He has publicly acknowledged that he is facing multiple allegations of professional misconduct.
When it comes to "RICO" lawsuits, Mr. Aretakis is a three-time loser. Three times he's brought specious claims against the Albany Diocese to state and federal courts. Three times he's failed. The Albany Diocese looks forward to answering the false and patently absurd claims in this lawsuit. Bishop Hubbard has never had -- nor has he ever sought to have -- any authority or influence over Father Hoatson's priestly assignments.
Ken Goldfarb
Director of Communications
Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany
40 North Main Avenue
Albany, NY 12203
518 453-6618
