Catholic priest living in Syracuse accused of having child porn

By Douglass Dowty
Post-Standard
May 21, 2014

http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2014/05/catholic_priest_living_in_syracuse_accused_of_having_child_porn.html

Robert Ours

Syracuse, NY -- A Catholic priest living in Syracuse has been charged with possessing child pornography.

Robert Ours, 65, was arraigned this morning on six counts of possessing a sexual performance by a child, according to the Onondaga County District Attorney's Office. That involves six images of illegal material.

The Syracuse Catholic Diocese reported the allegations of child porn to the DA's office a few months ago, said diocese Director of Communications Danielle Cummings. The diocese has fully cooperated in the investigation, the DA's office confirmed.

Ours led churches in the Southern Tier before retiring in 2012, Cummings said. He has since lived at the Tommy Coyne Residence for Priests, at 714 Brighton Ave.

Ours had no known history of pornography or sexual abuse, Cummings said. He has been a priest since 1980.

He was last church administrator of St. Rita's Church in Chenango Forks, which has since closed, Cummings said. Ours left active ministry for unrelated personal reasons, she said.

The diocese would not comment on how the pornography came to its attention. The residence where Ours lives also houses about a dozen other priests, some active in ministry and others retired, Cummings said.

Ours' status with the diocese has not changed because he was not in active ministry anyway, Cummings said.

"The diocese remains committed and vigilant to its child and youth protection efforts," Cummings said.