January 2008 Progress Report of the Special Investigating Committee
The Special Investigating Committee (SIC) was established as a result of the October 2007 joint session of the Holy Synod and Metropolitan Council. The SIC is chaired by His Grace, Bishop Benjamin of San Francisco. Other members are Archpriest John Tkachuk, Archpriest Philip Reese, Dr. Faith Skordinski, and Dr. Dmitri Solodow. Subsequently, a retired California police chief (and OCA Subdeacon) Bernard Wilson was appointed as investigative consultant. Attorney Alexandra Makosky was initially appointed to serve as legal consultant, but has since stepped down at her own request. A new legal advisor is being sought.
The SIC held its first meeting by teleconference in early November, establishing communication, confidentiality, focus, and planning guidelines to facilitate committee work.
The second meeting was held in East Norwich, New York, on November 30 and December 1, 2007. Committee members reviewed investigative guidelines and procedures and established a preliminary investigation plan. In addition, document reviews were conducted and eight broad categories of additional documentation were identified that warrant further review. These documents include records, minutes, and reports from various bodies and offices within the OCA, as well as rosters, business records, and attorney-generated materials.
During its third meeting in early January via teleconference, the SIC reviewed potential legal advisors; developed and partially implemented a strategy for securing necessary documents; and discussed a list of questions to be asked of witnesses.
To date, three interviews have been conducted (two clergy, one layperson), and over 20 additional people have been identified as prospective interview subjects, with certainty that additional interview subjects will be identified. Interview subjects include OCA clergy, laypersons, and outside vendors. Some of the interviews will be conducted by teleconference, while others will require face-to-face sessions.
The fourth meeting of the SIC is scheduled for late January 2008 in East Norwich, New York, during which time SIC members will continue reviewing documents and conducting an anticipated seven interviews.
The SIC is determined to fulfill its mandate as thoroughly and promptly as possible. Consequently, it is premature to assign a target date for the completion of the investigation. Work completion pragmatically could require the remainder of 2008. It is important that the OCA as a whole recognize the enormity of the investigative scope.