Investigator promises to be 'thorough'

The independent investigation of sexual misconduct claims against Bishop Howard J. Hubbard got underway last week when Mary Jo White, an experienced prosecutor and top Manhattan attorney, held a press conference in Albany to outline her role and to invite input from interested parties.

Ms. White chairs the 222-lawyer litigation group at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP in Manhattan. She was the first woman to serve as a U.S. attorney for the southern district of New York. In that role, she oversaw more than 200 attorneys with the responsibility of enforcing the federal criminal and civil laws of the nation.

Under her leadership when she was a U.S. attorney, members of organized crime like John Gotti and the 9/11 terrorist attacks were investigated.

Ms. White was hired by the Albany diocesan Review Board, which oversees allegations against clergy.

Role outlined

In comments to the press, Ms. White said the scope of her investigation will include allegations made by Andrew Zalay and Anthony Bonneau, and those contained in a letter attributed to the late Rev. John Minkler.

"I am also authorized to expand" the investigation "to cover any other allegations," she stated.

Ms. White set no timetable for her investigation and said her report would not be reviewed by anyone -- including the Diocese -- before it is released simultaneously to the public and the Review Board.

"No one sees it before everyone sees it," she declared.

Taking the job

Ms. White said that she accepted the assignment because it involves "a very serious matter and answers are badly needed."

While cautioning that the claims reach back a quarter-century or more, making it difficult to reach conclusions, she vowed to investigate "expeditiously and thoroughly."

She has had experience conducting similar investigations for other organizations and companies.

Independence

The attorney said that she took the assignment only on the condition of complete independence as well as the promise of complete cooperation from the Review Board, the Diocese and diocesan employees.

"I wouldn't do it other than independently," she asserted. "If anybody compromises my integrity, I will withdraw."

Ms. White is not a Catholic and has never represented any diocese in any matter. She also said that she does not recall ever meeting Bishop Hubbard.

Costs

The Diocesan Insurance Fund, which has paid for investigations of other clergy accused of sexual abuse and which pays for such claims as fire damage and accidents on Church property, will pay for the investigation.

Ms. White said that her standard fee of $770 an hour will be charged; the cost of other staff members working on the investigation will be less.

(Promising to be "exhaustive in the tools" she uses in her investigation, Ms. White has established a toll-free phone number and email address for the public to offer information. The phone number is 800-901-6853. The email address is [email protected].)

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