Catholic clergy that once faced sexual misconduct charges in NY found work as priests easily in Florida

November 14, 2002
By Rick Ross

Two Catholic priests accused of sexual abuse in New York moved to Florida and worked within the Palm Beach diocese, according to a story broken by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel in March.

Priest Anthony Failla had to leave Brooklyn after nuns reported him for molesting a teenage boy. But after the cleric moved to Florida he was soon leading mass and hearing confessions again.

Failla worked during Christmas 2000 for four weeks before St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church found out and told him to leave.

Failla refused to comment.

Priest Peter Duvelsdorf served six years in Palm Beach until he was arrested and accused of indecent exposure in St. Lucie County during December 1997.

When Duvelsdorf came to Florida he was essentially vouched for by a "letter of blessing" from his bishop. But he too had been accused of sexual misconduct in New York. Duvelsdorf worked at Holy Cross Church in Vero Beach and St. Paul of the Cross in North Palm Beach. He is now retired.

Note: This article is largely based upon "2 priests accused of sexual abuse served in Palm Beach diocese" St. Petersburg Times/March 23, 2002