BUFFALO, N.Y. — It was the era of “The Twist,” Chubby Checker’s hit song that the Most Rev. Joseph A. Burke, bishop of Buffalo, declared impure, lewd, and unchristian.
Documents obtained by 2 On Your Side Investigates through a public records request revealed an FBI investigation into an extortion attempt and death threat against the bishop. The investigation was not previously disclosed to the public.
The investigation was sparked by a threatening letter addressed to Catholic Charities and Burke in 1961. Burke contacted the Buffalo Police Department after receiving the letter, requesting a discreet investigation. Police officials then requested the assistance of the FBI to determine the author of the letter…