State Police have informed St. Mary’s Institute in Amsterdam that John D. Salisbury, a volunteer after-school coach for the girls’ Junior basketball team, was arrested yesterday on multiple charges related to child pornography and unlawful surveillance. Salisbury was immediately suspended from his duties as a volunteer coach. The school is cooperating fully with State Police in this very serious matter. There are no indications at this time that any unlawful activity occurred on school premises.
Before taking his volunteer position earlier this year, Salisbury completed the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany’s required Safe Environment training and cleared a background check on March 22, 2017. No issues were found at that time, and he was given clearance to serve as a volunteer. This school year, he has been coaching the Junior girls’ basketball team, which includes middle school students and operates as an after-school CYO program.
Upon learning of Salisbury’s arrest, diocesan Superintendent of Schools Giovanni Virgiglio Jr. sent a letter to school families yesterday and arranged for counselors to be on hand at St. Mary’s Institute this morning should students wish to speak to someone.
In the interest of the safety of our students, the school and the Diocese are asking parents whose children may have had any unwelcome contact with Salisbury to call State Police at 518-853-4708.
For security reasons and to protect our students’ privacy, we ask that no news media personnel come onto school property without prior authorization/ permission. All inquiries should be directed to the diocesan Director of Communications at the number/email below.