Bishop Trautman Blamed Victim of Abuse

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (ChurchMilitant.com) - Bishop Donald Trautman admits he blamed an abuse victim who was molested by a priest, and stands by his statement.

"You should have never put yourself in that position," then-Msgr. Trautman, vicar general in the diocese of Buffalo, New York in the 1980s, reportedly told an unnamed teen victim of Fr. Michael Freeman.

In another case, Freeman also allegedly molested James Bottlinger, who turned down a $650,000 offer from the diocese — the largest single payout through its victims compensation fund — choosing to sue the diocese instead for keeping in ministry a priest it knew to be a sexual predator.

"I don't want the Church to determine here's some money, go away," said Bottlinger at a press conference Tuesday. "I'd like the trial to happen to see how much of the story we can get out. To get the church to come to the table and admit the wrongdoings."

Trautman served as vicar general in the diocese of Buffalo in the 1970s and 1980s, when he was made aware of at least three allegations of abuse against Freeman. Freeman was allowed to remain in active ministry for years in spite of the allegations.

In response to queries by local news station WKBW, Trautman admitted he probably did blame the victim, and sticks to his original statement.

"That sounds like me," Trautman said Friday. "I would say that to someone. I don't remember the conditions or what the person said to me, but he should not have placed himself in those conditions."

Another of Freeman's victims, Paul Barr, has also refused an offer from the diocese for $45,000, suing for abuse he claims took place at Sacred Heart Church in Niagara Falls when he was a teen. Although he informed the diocese of his abuse in 1982, Freeman was kept in active ministry.

"Bishop Trautman knew Paul Barr had complained, two others had complained, and each time there was a complaint they just moved Father Freeman around until he ended up at St. Mary's in Lancaster," said Steve Boyd, attorney for Bottlinger. "And that's where he met James."

Kathy Spangler, spokeswoman for the Buffalo diocese, is refusing to comment on the allegations.

"Mr. Bottlinger and his lawyers have indicated that litigation will soon commence," Spangler told The News. "As is customary, the Diocese will respond to all requests for documents and information regarding Fr. Freeman during the litigation process."

Bottlinger claims Msgr. Trautman walked into Freeman's room at St. Mary of the Assumption rectory in the mid-1980s — after he had already been made aware of three allegations of abuse by Freeman — and showed no concern that Freeman was alone in his room with a male teen.

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