Cardinal Hayes priest, coach admits to sex abuse

A priest and coach from a prestigious Bronx school has admitted to sexually abusing minors.  According to a statement released by the president of Cardinal Hayes High School, Father Robert Harrison

News 12 Staff

Jan 7, 2015, 12:19 AM

Updated 3,488 days ago

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A priest and coach from a prestigious Bronx school has admitted to sexually abusing minors. 
According to a statement released by the president of Cardinal Hayes High School, Father Robert Harrison confessed just before Christmas break, saying the abuse took place outside of the borough during the 1970s and 80s. 
The school says that based on the information Harrison shared, it does not appear that any abuse involved its students; however, the New York Times is reporting that there are victims in the Bronx confirming abuse. It is not clear if they were ever students at Cardinal Hayes. 
The Archdiocese of New York and the school took swift action, saying in a statement, "He was immediately relieved of his responsibilities here at Hayes, and the matter was referred to the District Attorneys for the Bronx, Manhattan and Milwaukee, WI where Fr. Harrison said the abuse took place. He was removed from his ability to serve as priest or engage in any type of ministry."
The revelations surfaced during an investigation into Harrison's finances, which was part of a June 2013 audit of the Capuchin Province of Saint Joseph. The province says it has not received any allegations from victims. 
Harrison taught at Cardinal Hayes for 26 years and was a junior varsity basketball coach for more than 20 years. The school has sent letters home to parents about the situation.


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