Cathedral Choir Director Removed During Federal Probe

The director of the adult choir for the Diocese of Rockville Centre has been removed from his post because of a federal investigation into charges of possible child exploitation.

The diocese confirmed in a statement to its website on Friday that Michael Wustrow has been removed from all of his duties across the diocese and at St. Agnes Cathedral. Information about Wustrow and his time in the parish had been removed from the St. Agnes website as of Friday afternoon.

"The diocese learned of the investigation this week after the FBI executed a search warrant and seized Mr. Wustrow’s work computer," diocese Spokesman Sean Dolan said in a statement. "Mr. Wustrow was immediately relieved of all diocesan and parish duties, and both the diocese and St. Agnes Parish have been cooperating fully with law enforcement officials."

Wustrow, who served as the co-director of music for St. Agnes Parish, came to the church in 1993. He was a choir director and organist for many of the choir groups at the parish and was also musically involved in diocesan events, according to the parish's website.

The parish's website says that he conducted two 70-voice girls' choirs and a 50-voice mixed choir for children in grades 1 and 2. He also conducted the Senior Girls Choir for grades 6 through 8.

The Diocese of Rockville Centre encompasses all of Long Island, with 133 parishes in 115 towns. It is the eighth-largest diocese in the country, serving nearly 1.5 million Catholics.

The diocese asks that anyone who has information about the matter to contact the Diocesan Office for the Protection of Children and Young People at 516-678-5800, ext. 573, or 516-594-9063.

Photo: Patch