Longtime Priest in the Bronx Accused of Sexually Abusing Minors, by Ben Kochman, New York Daily News, January 21, 2016

Longtime Priest in the Bronx Accused of Sexually Abusing Minors

By Ben Kochman
New York Daily News
January 21, 2016

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/bronx-priest-accused-sexually-abusing-minors-article-1.2505102

The Rev. Richard Gorman, a priest and local leader in the Bronx, has been accused of molesting minors, the Archdiocese of New York said Thursday.

The Rev. Richard Gorman, a priest and local leader in the Bronx, has been accused of molesting minors, the Archdiocese of New York said Thursday.

A priest and respected longtime local leader in the Bronx has been accused of molesting minors, the Archdiocese of New York said Thursday.

The Rev. Richard Gorman can no longer serve in the clergy while authorities investigate claims that he sexually abused youths 30 years ago, the archdiocese announced in a press release.

At least one of the alleged victims was a 13-year-old boy who told authorities that Gorman, 62, molested him while he was a priest at St. Barnabas Church in Woodlawn, said the man's civil attorney, Mike Reck.

The victim told investigators that Gorman lured him to a church facility in Westchester where he performed a sex act on him, Reck said in an interview.

Gorman stepped down Thursday as chairman of his north Bronx local community board, where he had served for over 20 years, said his lawyer.

Gorman stepped down Thursday as chairman of his north Bronx local community board, where he had served for over 20 years, said his lawyer.

A rep for the Westchester District Attorney confirmed its Special Prosecutions Unit is looking into claims against the pastor, though no criminal charges had been filed.

The archdiocese said investigators "have deemed the allegations to be credible, although they have not yet been substantiated."

Gorman had also served as director of the Catholic Church's services to the state's prisoners and their families.

Gorman had also served as director of the Catholic Church's services to the state's prisoners and their families.

After the allegations were made public, Gorman stepped down Thursday as chairman of his north Bronx local community board, where he had served for over 20 years, said his lawyer, Murray Richman.

The attorney called the charges against the pastor "unfounded," and said that Gorman "totally denies them."

The archdiocese asked anyone with information or concerns about Gorman to contact the Westchester District Attorney's office.

Those who want to report abuse can also contact the Victims Assistance Coordinators for the Archdiocese, Sister Eileen Clifford or Deacon George Coppola at (917) 861-1762 or victimsassistance@archny.org.