BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — According to the Diocese of Fresno, in 1998, an alleged victim reported sexual abuse by Monsignor Craig Harrison to the Firebaugh Police Department.
Following an investigation, Firebaugh Police did not pursue charges.
In 2002, the same alleged victim returned and reported the alleged abuse to the diocese. The Diocese said they investigated inappropriate sexual contact with a minor but determined that the allegations were not substantiated.
23ABC has determined that it was not the same person who just weeks ago reported allegations against the Monsignor, because the Fresno Diocese said the alleged victim had not previously reported to an official representative of the church.
According to the Diocese, Monsignor Craig was not moved from churches because of the alleged abuse.
The Fresno Diocese has released a timeline regarding the dates Monsignor Craig served.
9/12/1987 to 6/21/1989 - Our Lady of Mercy, St. Patrick’s and Sacred Heart, Merced
6/22/1989 to 10/16/1991 - St. Francis, Bakersfield
10/17/1991 to 6/30/1992 - St. Francis, Mojave
7/1/1992 to 6/30/1999 - St. Joseph, Firebaugh
7/1/1999 to present - St. Francis, Bakersfield
According to the Kern County Sheriff's Office, Monsignor Craig has been a volunteer chaplain with the department since March 20, 2006. The Bakersfield Police Department has not clarified when he became a chaplain for the department.
