Michael Wustrow

He backs out on job as child-exploitation probe proceeds

was supposed to begin his new job at St. James Cathedral in November. But he withdrew from the post before his background check — and while the FBI was conducting a child-exploitation investigation.

The newly appointed music director for the Catholic Diocese of Orlando withdrew from the job before his background check was completed and while the FBI was conducting a child-exploitation investigation in Long Island, N.Y., where he directed youth choirs.

Michael Wustrow was supposed to begin his new job Nov. 1 at St. James Cathedral in downtown Orlando.

Wustrow, 55, who could not be reached for comment, was co-music director for St. Agnes Cathedral in the Diocese of Rockville Centre and had directed adult and children choirs when the FBI seized his work computer, the New York diocese announced Friday on its website.

The diocese relieved him of all duties, and a spokesman said the diocese was cooperating with law enforcement.

Marci Hamilton, a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania and chief executive of Child USA, an organization that advocates for victims of sexual abuse by religious organizations, was troubled that the Orlando dioceses conducted a background check after hiring Wustrow.

“You normally do [a check] first — especially with someone who’s had such intensive contact with children,” she said.

Although the Orlando diocese announced his appointment on its website, he was never a diocese employee, spokeswoman Jennifer Drow said in an email. She said he applied for and accepted the post but did not complete the background check. Drow said diocesan officials would not comment further.

The hiring announcement was removed from the Orlando diocese site.

It lauded his extensive organ recital experience and his collaboration with clergy and lay staff to plan and play music for services.

Wustrow would have replaced Charles Thatcher, who had served six years as director of music for the diocese and St. James.

The cathedral, at 215 N. Orange Ave., is a parish church and home base of Bishop

“We understand this is upsetting news, and we will seek to keep you apprised of further developments … ” New York diocese

John Noonan, head of the Orlando diocese.

Through its website, the New York diocese urged parishioners with concerns or information to contact the Diocesan Office for the Protection of Children and Young People.

“We understand this is upsetting news, and we will seek to keep you apprised of further developments … ” the diocese said.

The notice about the FBI investigation was posted on websites for both the New York diocese and St. Agnes Cathedral, also a parish church.

An accomplished organ player, Wustrow received a master’s degree in organ performance from the Yale University School of Music/Institute of Sacred Music. He earned an undergraduate degree in music education from Penn State.

Wustrow started at St. Agnes in 1993, according to the parish website. For years, he has been a fixture in the world of sacred music, serving on the board of a major national choral organization and playing the organ at prestigious locations, such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan.

The FBI, which did not respond to a request for comment, took Wustrow’s computer while executing a search warrant.