Onondaga Nation accused of tainting abuse probe

Tuesday, June 5, 2007  

The Onondaga Nation of New York is being accused of tainting an investigation into sexual abuse at a school on the reservation.

Albert Scerbo, 44, is accused of endangering the welfare of 17 girls and sexually molesting 16 of them. The abused allegedly occurred while he was a music teacher at the school between September 2004 and December 2006.

Court papers filed by Scerbo's lawyer indicate that Onondaga chiefs and clan mothers were involved in the early stages of the investigation. The lawyer says tribal leaders became agents of law enforcement as the Onondaga County carried out the probe.

Scerbo wants the court to schedule a hearing to determine the extent of the tribe's role.

Get the Story:
Lawyer challenges case against teacher (The Syracuse Post-Standard 6/5)

Relevant Links:
Onondaga Nation School - http://www.onondaganationschool.org

Related Stories:
Teacher denies abuse at Onondaga Nation school (05/04)
Parents question handling of Onondaga abuse case (5/1)
Teacher at Onondaga accused of abusing students (03/29)
Onondaga Nation teacher charged with abuse (12/19)