The must-read story of the day is by Alex Koppelman and Joe Strupp in Salon. It tells the tale of Monsignor Alan Placa, a longtime Giuliani employee and confidant linked to shocking allegations of child sexual abuse and cover-ups.

While elements of the story have been out there before, Salon adds a crucial new detail: Despite these allegations, Rudy's business, Giuliani Partners, continues to keep Placa on its payroll. The article claims Rudy believes Placa is innocent.

Placa first gained attention in 2002 for protecting abusive priests from their accusers, and a 2003 grand jury report described multiple witness accounts of Placa himself molesting children in his care. Placa and his fellow priests, accused in the report of "Rape, Sodomy, Sexual Abuse, Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Use of a Child in a Sexual Performance," escaped indictment only because the five-year statute of limitations had expired. Here's Salon's description of the appalling allegations against him:

The Suffolk County grand jury report, released eight months after Placa's suspension, includes evidence from three alleged victims. It states that in Priest F's first assignment, "he appears to have made feeble attempts at abusing a boy who was an alter [sic] server. ... He pulled up a chair next to the boy and put his right hand on his thigh. Slowly his hand began to creep up towards the boy's genital area. Alarmed, the boy covered his crotch. … The conduct repeated itself within a week.

"After his first assignment," the report continues, "Priest F was transferred within the Diocese to ... a school. Priest F was cautious, but relentless in his pursuit of victims. He fondled boys over their clothes, usually in his office. Always, his actions were hidden by a poster, newspaper or a book. ... Everyone in the school knew to stay away from Priest F."

While much has deservedly been made of Giuliani's ties to corrupt figures such as Bernard Kerik, Placa appears to be in a league of his own.

Salon's full expose is here.