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Survivors Network claims five accusing Monsignor Craig Harrison of sexual abuse

Posted at 11:29 PM, May 06, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-07 10:26:13-04

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — (UPDATE: May 7, 2019 7:23 a.m.) The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) has updated their list of publicly accused clerics in the Fresno area. According to Joey Piscitelli of SNAP California, the new list contains 23 clerics publicly accused of misconduct.

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Organizers with the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) will be holding a press conference early Tuesday afternoon, calling on the Catholic Diocese of Fresno's newly appointed bishop, Joseph Brennan to address sexual misconduct allegations made against Monsignor Craig Harrison.

Monsignor Harrison was placed on administrative leave in April pending an investigation surrounding sexual misconduct allegations made by a man who says he was a minor at the time of the alleged abuse. Since then, another victim has come forward, and we’ve learned that a third allegation was made against the monsignor in 1998.

Organizers are also calling on the new bishop to disclose names and information about 9 publicly accused clerics in the Fresno area. They say recent allegations against Bakersfield Monsignor Harrison are concerning.

SNAP officials say there are five alleged victims accusing Harrison of sexual abuse, however neither the Dioceses nor law enforcement agencies have confirmed the organization's number.

The press conference is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7 at 12:30 p.m. on the sidewalk outside the headquarters of the Fresno Diocese.