Longtime priest in the Bronx accused of sexually abusing minors

New York Daily News/January 21, 2016

By Ben Kochman

A priest and respected longtime local leader in the Bronx has been accused of molesting minors, the Archdiocese of New York said Thursday.

The Rev. Richard Gorman can no longer serve in the clergy while authorities investigate claims that he sexually abused youths 30 years ago, the archdiocese announced in a press release.

At least one of the alleged victims was a 13-year-old boy who told authorities that Gorman, 62, molested him while he was a priest at St. Barnabas Church in Woodlawn, said the man's civil attorney, Mike Reck.

The victim told investigators that Gorman lured him to a church facility in Westchester where he performed a sex act on him, Reck said in an interview.

A rep for the Westchester District Attorney confirmed its Special Prosecutions Unit is looking into claims against the pastor, though no criminal charges had been filed.

The archdiocese said investigators "have deemed the allegations to be credible, although they have not yet been substantiated."

After the allegations were made public, Gorman stepped down Thursday as chairman of his north Bronx local community board, where he had served for over 20 years, said his lawyer, Murray Richman.

The attorney called the charges against the pastor "unfounded," and said that Gorman "totally denies them."

The archdiocese asked anyone with information or concerns about Gorman to contact the Westchester District Attorney's office.

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