NEWARK, N.J., May 15 (UPI) -- A man who said he was molested by a priest four decades ago won a $75,000 settlement from the Catholic Archdiocese of Newark in New Jersey, his attorney said.
The victim, identified only by the initials "F.P.," charged the Rev. John Nickas sexually assaulted him at least a half dozen times at St. Rocco's Church in Newark between 1970 and 1979, The (Newark) Star-Ledger reported Wednesday.
Nickas, who died in 2008, was well-known in Essex County for his work on behalf of the poor and homeless. He served as pastor of St. Rocco's and later as pastor of St. Peter Claver Church in Montclair, N.J.
F.P.'s charge marked the first time the priest was accused of abuse.
In a telephone interview with The Star-Ledger, the victim said he was an 8-year-old altar boy when Nickas plied him with sacramental wine and then sexually assaulted him in both the church and the rectory.
