AMSTERDAM VOLUNTEER SUSPENDED AFTER ARREST

The Albany Diocese has released the following statement:

"New York State Police have informed St. Mary's Institute in Amsterdam that John D. Salisbury, a volunteer after-school coach for the girls' junior basketball team, was arrested Dec. 14 on multiple charges related to child pornography and unlawful surveillance. According to State Police, the surveillance did not occur on school premises. Salisbury was immediately suspended from his duties as a volunteer coach.

"Before taking his volunteer position earlier this year, Salisbury completed the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany's required Safe Environment training and cleared a background check on March 22, 2017. No issues were found at that time, and he was given clearance to serve as a volunteer. This school year, he has been coaching the junior girls' basketball team, which includes middle school students and operates as an after-school CYO program.

"Upon learning of Salisbury's arrest, diocesan superintendent of schools Giovanni Virgiglio Jr. sent a letter to school families and arranged for counselors to be on hand at St. Mary's Institute on Dec. 15.

"In the interest of the safety of our students, the school and the Diocese are asking parents whose children may have had any unwelcome contact with Salisbury to call State Police at (518) 853-4708."[[In-content Ad]]