Father Timothy Kelley
Diocese of Buffalo
Ordained: 1978
Removed: 2018
Assigned as follows:
- 1979-1983 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (Dunkirk, NY)
- 1984-1985 On duty outside the Diocese (Tampa, FL)
- 1986-1987 Absent on leave
- 1988 On duty outside the Diocese (Tampa, FL)
- 1989-1990 Absent on leave
- 1991-2002 Unknown
- 2003 St. Timothy Church (Tampa, FL)
Summary of Abuse Allegations Against Father Timothy Kelley:
According to media reports, in September 2003, Father Timothy Kelley was named in a lawsuit alleging that he sexually abused a 13-year-old child at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School in August 1983 during a weeklong trip from Buffalo to Florida. The suit alleged that Father Kelley performed oral sex on the boy on the morning of the last day of the trip.
Father Kelley denied the allegation and said he had been “falsely accused,” and described his accuser as “someone who has been a friend of mine.” There was some dispute as to whether he was part of the Diocese of Buffalo at time of abuse or the Diocese of St Petersburg. The lawsuit was eventually dismissed in 2004.
When a second man came forward two months later, in November, alleging that Father Kelley sexually abused him as a child, he resigned from the ministry.
In March 2018, Father Kelley’s name was included in the Diocese of Buffalo’s list of priests who “were removed from ministry, were retired, or left ministry after allegations of sexual abuse of a minor.” His current whereabouts are unknown.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims of sexual abuse in the Diocese of Buffalo and throughout New York. The Diocese of Buffalo filed for federal bankruptcy protection in February 2020. Anyone sexually abused by a priest or employee of the Diocese of Buffalo may be entitled to file a claim against the Diocese in these bankruptcy proceedings, but very strict filing deadlines apply. Most victims of abuse in the Diocese of Buffalo will never be able to take action against the Diocese of Buffalo if they miss this bankruptcy filing deadline, so it is important that you contact us immediately to discuss your potential case.
Contact us at 888-283-9922 or [email protected] to discuss your legal options today.