Diocesan officials announced July 21 that Father Vincent Panepinto — who has been on administrative leave since March 2011 due to an abuse allegation — has been charged by the Rochester Police Department with third-degree grand larceny, a Class D felony.
"The diocese is cooperating fully in the police investigation," according to a diocesan statement.
Father Panepinto was ordained to the priesthood in 1967. He served at several parishes in the cities of Rochester and Elmira; was a chaplain with the state Department of Corrections and at Our Lady of Mercy High School; and was spiritual director at Becket Hall. He most recently served as sacramental minister of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish in Rochester.
Father Panepinto was placed on administrative leave earlier this year after an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor, dating back to the 1960s, was received by diocesan officials and found to be credible. He is not able to exercise public ministry.
Diocesan officials declined further comment on the grand-larceny charge against Father Panepinto due to the possibility of judicial proceedings.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Check back for further updates.
