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 3,390 days ago

Share:

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 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.


More from News 12
2:19
New retail theft prevention plan in state budget includes harsher charges, more patrols

New retail theft prevention plan in state budget includes harsher charges, more patrols

1:46
Mostly cloudy skies and cool conditions on Long Island

Mostly cloudy skies and cool conditions on Long Island

0:28
Muslim Student Association of Walt Whitman High School hosts Day of Unity conference

Muslim Student Association of Walt Whitman High School hosts Day of Unity conference

0:23
Suffolk County holds police promotion ceremony in Brentwood

Suffolk County holds police promotion ceremony in Brentwood

2:00
Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

0:17
Police probe multivehicle crash on Southern State Parkway

Police probe multivehicle crash on Southern State Parkway

0:23
Police: 1 man faces charges for selling cannabis, illegal vape products at Huntington Station shop

Police: 1 man faces charges for selling cannabis, illegal vape products at Huntington Station shop

0:26
Police: Wyandanch man arrested for recklessly driving dirt bike

Police: Wyandanch man arrested for recklessly driving dirt bike

0:14
Police: Suspect wanted for stealing over $3,000 worth of sunglasses from Lake Grove store

Police: Suspect wanted for stealing over $3,000 worth of sunglasses from Lake Grove store

1:55
The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

1:30
Police: Car drives into Plainview dance studio; 3 suffer minor injuries

Police: Car drives into Plainview dance studio; 3 suffer minor injuries

1:50
Local leaders, residents express growing concern about homeless shelter near West Babylon day care

Local leaders, residents express growing concern about homeless shelter near West Babylon day care

2:00
John Theissen Children's Foundation opens Family Fun Center in Wantagh

John Theissen Children's Foundation opens Family Fun Center in Wantagh

0:54
Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

0:13
Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

0:47
Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

0:42
Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

0:23
Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road

Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road