A Catholic priest has been arrested for forcibly touching a woman in a church kitchen, further tarnishing the already beleaguered Diocese of Rockville Centre, which is grappling with countless sex-abuse claims that have driven it to bankruptcy. This alarming incident highlights a systematic failure within the institution, where predators have exploited their positions of power.
Rev. John Adjei-Boamah, 43, faces serious charges—not just accusations but actual legal consequences for his alleged misconduct. He is now accused of sexually assaulting a woman at St. Catherine of Sienna Church in Franklin Square, New York. The police have confirmed his arrest for two sex-abuse misdemeanors following the shocking details of the incident.
This scandal arrives as the Diocese of Rockville Centre seeks to recover from a tidal wave of sex-abuse allegations, leading to one of the largest bankruptcy settlements in church history—$323 million paid out in December to settle numerous claims. This diocese, one of the largest in the nation, has become a glaring example of the failures of accountability and oversight within religious institutions.
In an official statement, the Diocese acknowledged the gravity of the situation, confirming that Father Adjei-Boamah will be stepping away from all ministry responsibilities during the investigation. The diocese expressed empathy, stating, “We understand that this is very upsetting news. Thank you for your understanding and prayers.”
The allegations detail a moment of disgrace where, on March 6, Adjei-Boamah approached a familiar female parishioner and inappropriately touched her while she was in the kitchen. The church leadership, upon learning of this incident, reported it immediately to authorities—though ironically, it took days for police to receive the report.
He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and was arraigned before being released under an order of protection. The priest had only recently joined the parish, after immigrating from Ghana. Ordained in 2011, he had initially been part of the Diocese of Konongo-Mampong before stepping into this troubling role on Long Island.
This crisis exposes not just a single act of misconduct but a pervasive culture within certain sectors of the church that must be confronted head-on. We must demand accountability and reform to ensure the safety and well-being of all parishioners, as this scandal shakes the very foundation of trust within the community.
