A former East Meadow youth minister who served time for raping four teenagers took the stand in a civil suit Tuesday, on his victims' behalf.
Matthew Maiello pleaded guilty to rape and sodomy charges in 2003 and served more than two years behind bars. Maiello was a youth minister at St. Raphael's Church in East Meadow when he committed the crimes.
Two of his victims are suing St. Raphael's, its reverend, Thomas Haggerty, and the Diocese of Rockville Centre for neglecting to take action against Maiello despite repeated warnings of improper behavior.
On Tuesday, Maiello testified that Haggerty never had him fill out an employment application. He said the reverend didn't ask for specifics on outside employment, nor did he request a copy of Maiello's college transcripts. As it turns out, Maiello failed bible studies, but earned an A in a course on the psychology of women.
One of Maiello's female victims took the stand Monday, revealing graphic details of sexual abuse that took place inside the church.
The lawsuit seeks $150 million in damages.
Related Information: Victim testifies sexual abuse went on inside church Witnesses: Priest ignored warnings of sexual abuse Diocese of Rockville Centre neglect lawsuit goes to trial