Top Newark Diocese Official Steps Down After Fugee Scandal

Newark Archbishop John Meyers has accepted the resignation of a top offiicial, amidst continued scandal involving former Newark Diocese Revered John Fugee.

Fugee, 52, confessed in 2001 to two acts of sexual misconduct with a Wyckoff teenager, once during a visit to the teen’s home and again during an overnight church retreat to Virginia. The confession was later recanted, and a 2003 conviction was overturned on judicial error in 2007.

In May, an investigative report by The Star Ledger revealed Fugee was working in a youth ministry capacity with teens at St. Mary's Church in Colts Neck, a violation of his plea agreement. 

Fugee was never stripped of his priesthood, but has now been stripped of the right to perform any sacraments. 

Vicar General Monsignor John E. Doran has posted his resignation at the request of Archbishop John J. Myers, according to a diocese statement. 

"The investigation found that the strong protocols we presently have in place were not always observed," Myers said in the statement. "Appointing a new Vicar General will be just one step in a comprehensive plan to review, and, where necessary, strengthen our internal protocols and ensure we are doing everything we can to safeguard the children of our community."

Fugee was arrested last week on several counts of contempt of judicial order for his alleged violation of an agreement to never work with children.

The scandal reached home for St. Mary's parishioners, prompting the resignation fo Fr. Thomas Triggs and two Youth Ministry leaders.

The investigation by the prosecutor’s office special victims unit, a release said, consisted of “numerous interviews with individuals who had personal knowledge of an witness [Fugee] attend the youth retreats and take confessions from minor children,” and led to seven counts of contempt against the priest.  

Prosecutor John Molinelli requested that anyone with information contact the unit at (201) 226-5620.