Local Area Catholic Priest Charged With Four Misdemeanors Involving A Minor

UPDATE: Cortland County Sheriffs say Brooks has been charged as follows:

Town of Homer Court:

• Endangering the Welfare of a Child (A Misdemeanor)
• Forcible Touching (Class A Misdemeanor)
• Sexual Abuse in the 3rd Degree (Class B Misdemeanor)

City of Cortland Court:

• Forcible Touching (Class A Misdemeanor)

Cortland County Sheriffs say Brooks had subjected one victim to inappropriate sexual contact on multiple occasions over several years. The victim was known to Mr. Brooks.The incidents took place in the Town of Homer and the City

Syracuse, N.Y. - Bishop of the Syracuse Diocese Douglas Lucia releasing a statement today saying Father Nathan Brooks has been charged by the Cortland County Sheriffs with four misdemeanors involving a minor.

Father Brooks who serves as Administrator of the Church of the Nativity at St. Joseph in Lafayette, Immaculate Conception, in Pompey; St. Leo of Tully and St. Patrick Mission in Otisco has been suspended as the investigation continues.

Bishop Lucia says there will be no further comment on the situation.

The full letter from Bishop Lucia can be seen below:

An Important Message from Bishop Lucia:

It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that the Diocese of Syracuse has been informed by the Cortland County Sheriff's Department that four misdemeanor charges involving a minor have been filed against Father Nathan Brooks in Cortland County Court on August 31, 2023. Following diocesan policy, Father Brooks who serves as Administrator of the Church of the Nativity at St. Joseph, Lafayette; Immaculate Conception, Pompey; St. Leo, Tullly and St. Patrick Mission, Otisco is suspended from all priestly ministry during the investigation of these charges. In keeping with our Memorandum of Understanding with the local County District Attorneys, the diocese has and will continue to fully cooperate with the Cortland County District Attorney's Office.

This is distressing news, most certainly to me, and to all of you. As a Catholic family, we have been on a journey of trying to make amends for the great harm that was caused in the past and now we are faced with this situation. Like me, I can only assume that you have many questions, but we must prayerfully await the conclusion of the investigation. I ask that you join me in praying for all parties involved as well as continuing to be ever vigilant in adhering to our Diocesan Code of Conduct and Safe Environment Protocols. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, please contact our Diocesan Safe Environment Office at 315.470.1465 or jbressette@syrdio.org.

You have my commitment to inform you of the outcome of this investigation. 

In the Name of Jesus,

Most Rev. Douglas J. Lucia