Report: Retired priest admits to abusing boys

The Buffalo News is reporting a retired priest now admits to "abusing dozens of boys." During a one-on one interview with Rev. Norbert F. Orsolits on Tuesday, the now 78-year-old reportedly admitted to the Buffalo News, "he had sexually abused "probably dozens" of teenage boys in the late 1970s and early 1980s."

Former Priest Norbert Orsolits had nothing to say when we went to his home in Springville on Wednesday. 

Earlier on Tuesday,  Michael Whalen of South Buffalo came forward for the first time alleging he was sexually abused as a teenager by a Buffalo Priest during a ski trip nearly four decades ago. 

Whalen attended St. John Vianney School in Orchard Park in the late 70's and early 80s.

He says Father Norbert Orsolits, took him to a cabin in Springville when he was 14 years-old and sexually abused him.

"He is nothing and I want the other victims to know that he is nothing. They can step out and see him for what he was and who is is and that's just a pedophile," he said.

Whalen held a news conference Tuesday morning to go public with his allegations directly across the street from the headquarters for the Buffalo Diocese. 

"Took me a while to get to this point but I'm not afraid anymore, I want my voice to be heard," he said.

Whalen's attorney is also representing another man, who is remaining anonymous, who alleges he was sexually abused as a teen in the late 70s by another priest, Father Robert Conlin at St. Mary's Parish in Pavilion. 

"I'm certain there are more people that need help," he said. "It certainly has scarred me for life."

In a statement to 7 Eyewitness News, the Buffalo Diocese said, "we will not comment on these particular complaints except to note that Father Norbert Orsolits was removed from ministry in 2003 and that Father Robert Conlin died in 1997." 

We did reach out for additional comment from the Diocese in regards to Rev. Orsolits' reported confession, they said they are sticking with their original statement at this time.

The diocese says since 1990, it has had policies in place to address sexual abuse and every complaint it receives is addressed.

A spokesperson for Kaleida Health has provided this statement on his time at Buffalo General Hospital:

“Fr Orsolits was a part time volunteer that was assigned to us by the Diocese back in 1990. He left in 2003, 15 years ago. We were not made aware of any his previous issues that may have been known by the Diocese at that time nor are we aware of any complaints against him during his time at Buffalo General Medical Center. We will continue to investigate the matter moving forward.”