Father David Bialkowski, former pastor of St. John Gualbert Parish in Cheektowaga, has been placed on administrative leave by Bishop Edward U. Kmiec, following an allegation of inappropriate conduct.

The Diocese of Buffalo issued the following statement on March 3:

Whenever there is an allegation of inappropriate conduct against a priest or, for that matter, any employee of the Diocese, certain policies and procedures are followed. This case is no different.

Fr. David Bialkowski has denied the allegations and he has been placed on administrative leave by Bishop Edward U. Kmiec pending completion of our investigation.

The decision to place Fr. Bialkowski on administrative leave does not imply any determination as to the validity of the allegation.

This case has also been the subject of an extensive review by our Diocesan Review Board, a group which is comprised of former Supreme Court and County Court judges, state prosecutors, medical specialists and volunteer laypersons.

Once the investigation is concluded, the Bishop will determine whether or not Father Bialkowski will receive another ministerial assignment.