GREENSBURG (PA)
WTAE - Action News 4 [Pittsburgh PA]
May 16, 2026
By Ava Rash
Robert Byrnes, 84, was arrested and charged Friday.
A retired Catholic priest and former Pennsylvania State Police chaplain is facing several charges in connection with sex crimes dating back more than 10 years.
Robert Byrnes, 84, is charged with aggravated indecent assault, obstruction of administration of law or other governmental functions and official oppression.
Following his arraignment, Byrnes was released on bail. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for June 1, 2026.
According to the criminal complaint, back in March, a man reported to state police that he was sexually assaulted back in 2014 while he was working at Christ Our Shephard. Police said during the course of the investigation, another victim was identified who also worked there.
According to court documents, the two men confronted Byrnes about the alleged abuse during recorded phone calls as part of the investigation. Both victims asked Byrnes if they should talk to the police or a therapist about the alleged assault, and Byrnes told them not to. Byrnes allegedly begged the victim not to go to the police “for the sake of the reputation for the church, priesthood, for other priests, for my family” and his physical condition. Byrnes allegedly asked both men to forgive him and to “ask God to forgive him.”
According to the criminal complaint, Byrnes recalled the sexual assaults, but suggested it could have been a “gesture of friendship.”