Fr. Craig F. Harrison

Ordained: 1987
Status: Accused

Diocese: Diocese of Fresno CA

Monsignor. Sheriff’s Office and Police chaplain. Adopted 8 boys. Suspended in 4/2019; investigation of inappropriate touch of a boy, ages 14-16, decades prior in Firebaugh. Report to the Diocese in 4/2012; Diocese told police three days later. Harrison denied the claims. The Bakersfield community responded with overwhelming support for Harrison. In late 4/2019 two more men alleged abuse as minors by Harrison. One of them had reported in 1998 and again in 2002 that Harrison abused him in Firebaugh in 1998. Unsubstantiated, per the Diocese in 2002. Case closed by Bakersfield police in 6/2019. The Fresno Diocese continued to investigate. Harrison filed a slander lawsuit in 8/2019 against the Roman Catholic Faithful, a group publicizing claims Harrison abused in Firebaugh. He also sued the Diocese and a monk. The Merced County D.A. said in 11/2019 there would be no charges due to the statute of limitations. In 2/2020 the Fresno D.A. said no charges due to the statute of limitations, but the allegations appeared credible. Harrison resigned from the priesthood in 2/2021. Two suits filed in 6/2021. Included on the Fresno diocese’s list in 8/2021 of credibly accused.

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