Activist priest faces abuse allegations

NEW YORK
Riverdale Press

By Shant Shahrigian
Posted 1/28/16

Father Richard Gorman has resigned as chairman of nearby Community Board 12 and been suspended from working as a priest following allegations he sexually abused minors about 30 years ago.

While he is denying the charges, he stepped down as chairman and as a board member of the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts following a Jan. 21 announcement from the Archdiocese of New York.It said Fr. Gorman would not be permitted “to publicly function as a priest,” including as director of prison chaplains for the archdiocese.

“As usual, the archdiocese immediately reported the allegations to law enforcement officials for investigation, who have deemed the allegations to be credible, although they have not yet been substantiated,” the statement read in part. It did not contain any details of the claims, but referred people “with information or concerns” about Fr. Gorman to the Westchester District Attorney’s Office.

Fr. Gorman referred inquires to his lawyer Murray Richmond, who said the allegations are completely false.

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