BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Police are planning to revisit the 1998 investigation in which an alleged victim reported sexual abuse by Monsignor Craig Harrison, according to Firebaugh Police.
In 1998, an initial investigation took place into an allegation by a man who said he was inappropriately touched by Monsignor Craig, when he was a minor. Firebaugh Police found the claim to be unsubstantiated in 1998, but Chief Raygoza told 23ABC, Thursday that police would revisit the case and they were attempting to recontact the complainant.
In 2002, the same alleged victim also reported the alleged abuse to the Diocese of Fresno. The Diocese said they investigated inappropriate sexual contact with a minor but also determined that the allegations were unsubstantiated.
On Friday, April 12, the initial allegation of sexual misconduct was reported to diocesan personnel, according to the Diocese of Fresno.
According to the Diocese, the second alleged victim contacted the Diocese on Thursday, April 25, to report the allegations. The Diocese said they told the man to contact police.
According to the Merced Police Department, a man told authorities on April 26 that Monsignor Harrison had inappropriately touched him when he was a boy in 1988.
Merced Police said there is currently an investigation for misdemeanor sexual battery.
The Diocese of Fresno confirmed with 23ABC that a second man came forward with allegations against Monsignor Harrison.
