Fr. Craig F. Harrison
Monsignor. Sheriff’s Office and Police chaplain. Adopted 8 boys. Suspended in 4/19; investigation of inappropriate touch of a boy, ages 14-16, decades prior in Firebaugh. Report to diocese in 4/12; diocese told police three days later. Harrison denied the claims. The Bakersfield community responded with overwhelming support for Harrison. In late 4/19 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 diocese in 2002. Case closed by Bakersfield police in 6/19. Fresno diocese continued to investigate. Harrison filed a slander lawsuit in 8/19 against the Roman Catholic Faithful, a group publicizing claims Harrison abused in Firebaugh. He also sued the diocese and a monk. Merced County DA said in 11/19 no charges due to the statute of limitations. In 2/20 the Fresno DA said no charges due to the statute of limitations, but allegations appeared credible. Resigned priesthood in 2/21. Two suits filed in 6/21. Included on the Fresno diocese’s list in 8/21 of credibly accused.
- Bakersfield Californian 04.25.19
- Diocese of Fresno Statement 04.25.19
- Merced Sun Star 04.25.19
- Bakersfield com 04.27.19
- Bakersfield Californian 04.29.19
- KGET TV 04.29.19
- ABC 23 05.01.19
- KQED 05.01.19
- ABC 23 05.02.19
- Bakersfield Californian 05.05.19
- Bakersfield Californian 05.06.19
- ABC 23 05.07.19
- Visalia Times-Delta 05.08.19
- ABC 23 05.08.19
- KGET 05.09.19
- Fresno Bee 05.13.19
- KQED 05.19.19
- Bakersfield com 05.20.19
- Californian 05.20.19
- KGET 05.21.19
- Bakersfield com 05.23.19
- Bakersfield Californian 06.10.19
- Bakersfield Californian 07.16.19
- KBAK KBFX 07.25.19
- Californian 08.22.19
- Valley Public Radio 08.27.19
- The Californian 11.02.19
- Fresno Bee 11.15.19
- ABC 23 11.15.19
- KMPH 02.14.20
- KTLA 02.15.20
- Bakersfield Observed 02.16.20
- KGET 08.06.20
- KGET 11.12.20
- KERO 12.09.20
- 23 ABC 02.18.21
- KGET 02.18.21
- San Joaquin Valley Sun 02.18.21
- Fresno Bee 02.19.21
- San Joaquin Valley Sun 05.17.21
- KBAK/KBFX/Bakersfield Now 06.08.21
- KGET 06.09.21
- KSEE24 and CBS47 and yourcentravalley 06.09.21
- Bakersfield Californian 06.18.21
- KBAK/KBFX/Bakersfield Now 06.19.21
- KGET 06.18.22
- Fresno Bee 08.06.21
- KSEE24 and CBS47 08.07.21
- KFSN 09.07.21
- Church Militant 09.06.21
- KGET 09.09.21
- Diocese of Fresno List accessed 01.17.22
Sources:
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Our Database of Publicly Accused does not state or imply that individuals facing allegations are guilty of a crime or liable for civil claims. The reports contained in the database are merely allegations. The U.S. legal system presumes that a person accused of or charged with a crime is innocent until proven guilty. Similarly, individuals who may be defendants in civil actions are presumed not to be liable for such claims unless a plaintiff proves otherwise. Admissions of guilt or liability are not typically a part of civil or private settlements. For more information, see our posting policy.