RyeCity REVIEW THE
December 4, 2020 | Vol. 8, Number 49 | www.ryecityreview.com
Gaynor fined for contempt in abuse case By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor
See ya next year? With the return of high school sports currently up in the air, Sports Editor Mike Smith looks back at the recent unorthodox fall season and the important role it played for student-athletes. For story, see page 14. Photo/Mike Smith
New York State devises winter COVID-19 strategy Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday, Nov. 30, announced New York’s plan for combating COVID-19 this winter. Over the past week, Cuomo and the state’s COVID Task Force has worked in consultation with global public health experts, local governments and other stakeholders to ensure that the plan builds off the lessons learned during the past nine months to anticipate and prepare for an expected increase in COVID cases and hospitalizations over the holiday season. Specifically, the winter plan consists of five targeted strategies focused on mitigating the spread
of the virus and bolstering New York State hospital preparedness. “While the holiday season often brings joy to many, the increase in social activity and mobility will also bring an increase of viral transmission. We understand the cause and effect, and the effect is dramatic,” Cuomo said. «We must adapt to this reality and have a plan in place that specifically addresses the challenges that come with it. We›ve been through the worst, and while we›re not done yet, we are moving forward with the lessons we learned in the spring to come through this together.
• Strategy 1 Continue and strengthen New York’s targeted microcluster strategy while managing hospital capacity to enhance and equalize care Under New York’s Winter COVID-19 Plan, this strategy, which was first launched in mid-October, will be strengthened through the utilization of additional, hospital-related metrics to provide a clearer picture of where a particular zone stands in the fight against COVID and how each neighborhood, municipality and other geographic area contributes to daily hospital ad-
“While the holiday season often brings joy to many, the increase in social activity and mobility will also bring an increase of viral transmission. We must adapt to this reality and have a plan in place that specifically addresses the challenges that come with it. -Gov. Andrew Cuomo
missions due to COVID. Under this improved strategy, the New York State Department of Health COVID continued on page 8
A month after holding accused sexual abuser Edwin Gaynor in contempt of court for refusal to appear for a deposition, Associate New York State Supreme Court Justice Hon. Steven M. Jaeger is levying a $250 a day fine against the Ossining resident until he agrees to be deposed. Since last November, 30 lawsuits have been brought against Gaynor, now 86, and his co-defendants—which include both the Archdiocese of New York and several area catholic schools including Immaculate Heart of Mary in Scarsdale—alleging that he used his position as a teacher and coach at these institutions to molest children from the 1950s until the 1980s. In 2019, Gaynor wrote handwritten letters to the law offices of Lowey Dannenberg P.C., which represents all but one of the accusers, in which he admits wrongdoing in two of the cases. Despite those admissions, Gaynor—who has not retained legal representation—has steadfastly refused to appear for a deposition hearing ignoring court orders. Jaeger has twice issued orders for Gaynor to appear—once on March 26 and again on Aug. 7— that were summarily disregarded by the defendant, who cited poor health as an obstacle to compliance with the ruling. A proposal filed by Lowey Dannenberg P.C. on Nov. 11 petitioned the judge to issue an arrest warrant for Gaynor in order to compel his testimony, but
Jaeger, in his Nov. 20 ruling, acknowledged the defendant’s advanced age and concerns raised by the COVID-19 pandemic as the reasoning behind levying financial penalties against the defendant instead of taking Gaynor into custody. He did, however, warn that if Gaynor continues to refuse the court order, he may revisit that decision. “It is hereby ordered an adjudged that the defendant Edwin Gaynor shall be monetarily fined $250 per day beginning upon the date of entry of this Order and continuing until such time as Gaynor appears for his deposition and produces the requested discovery,” he wrote. “In the event Gaynor is uncooperative, refuses to answer any questions, or if any other disputes arise at Gaynor’s deposition, counsel [should] make contact the Court for guidance.” Although the financial penalty for continued non-compliance would be a steep one, Jaeger’s ruling was handed down with the caveat that, should Gaynor agree to be deposed by Dec. 3— or at a time and place agreed to by all parties involved—the fines would be forgiven. Despite the apparent victory, however, counsel for the plaintiffs is not confident that the latest court order will move Gaynor to appear. “It is likely Gaynor won’t show, so we will have to go back to court again,” Lowey Dannenberg attorney Scott Papp wrote in an email to the Review. “Total merry-go round.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com