News12 New York
N12 Originals
Numbers & Links
Local
Crime
Weather
Politics
Taxing Long Island
Vote 2026: Long Island primaries
Stony Brook Medicine

Alleged clergy sex abuse victims discuss diocese settlement

Richard Tollner says he was sexually abused by a priest at the age of 15 back in 1975. Almost half a century later, he says he is happy to see victims finally getting compensation.

Dec 4, 2024, 5:21 PM

Updated

Share:

Back in 2019, the New York Child Victims Act allowed abuse victims to temporarily file lawsuits - even if the statute of limitations had expired.

Richard Tollner says he was sexually abused by a priest at the age of 15 back in 1975. Almost half a century later, he says he is happy to see victims finally getting compensation.

“A little bit of bittersweet justice, it has taken four years to get to today, but at this point enough victims have waited for justice have achieved the justice," says Tollner.

The $323 million settlement effects roughly 600 alleged sexual abuse victims in the Diocese of Rockville Centre.

Top Stories

01:31
li5pmbol2026jenna_2026-06-26-17-03-57

All westbound LIE lanes closed pending crash investigation

02:02
CX Headlines 4 (42)

Shower chances tonight and to start the weekend for Long Island, but sunshine returns for Sunday

00:37
Rex MS 062626_2026-06-26-17-03-57

Convicted serial killer Rex Heuermann moved to Clinton Correctional Facility

02:05
LIRR Update MS 062626_2026-06-26-17-11-00

MTA, LIRR unions prepare for new talks on controversial work rules following strike deal

01:36
li5pmbol2026loganriverhead_2026-06-26-17-14-20

Riverhead considers overnight ban on commercial vehicles parked on residential streets

01:47
li5pmboljulia_2026-06-26-17-10-30

PSEG Long Island hosts second summer Power to Feed to combat food insecurity

01:40
Screenshot 2026-06-26 110704

Dead whale washes up in Montauk

00:18
fatal crash

West Islip man arrested following fatal strike on Robert Moses Causeway

00:32
626correctionsofficersexassault_2026-06-26-12-26-27

Suffolk County corrections officer pleads guilty to sexually assaulting inmate

00:24
9cdf7a15-98a6-46ef-ae94-423c59fbc99e

Man accused of stabbing person during fight at Greenport gas station

01:34
Image (24)

Food Truck Friday: Swell Taco

00:15
fatal crash - mon copy (1)

Man fatally struck by tractor-trailer in North Bellport

00:24
AP26167097406696

Last-place Mets fire manager Carlos Mendoza, replacing him with Andy Green

00:16
PEDESTRIAN struck

12-year-old struck by car while crossing road in Center Moriches

00:21
62626GeorgiaArrest_2026-06-26-06-07-39

Georgia man arrested after loaded gun found in vehicle in Garden City

00:28
62626metspup_2026-06-26-05-59-06

A bright spot in Queens: Mets, VetDogs introduce service-dog “Howie”

00:24
62626boardybarn_2026-06-26-06-03-04

The Barnyard in Hampton Bays to close after three summers

01:12
626EASTEND_2026-06-26-05-49-12

Learn how to make pottery and ceramic art at Sag Harbor Clay Fish

01:52
Recovered Funds

10 arrested after authorities dismantle $1M prostitution ring tied to massage parlors across LI and Queens

01:56
LI 10PM THUR_Data Center_ajc_2026-06-25-22-05-54

Proposed AI data center in Yaphank meets opposition from residents and town leaders

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices