Diocese: Allegation against Bakersfield priest in 1998 was unsubstantiated

By Jason Kotowski
KGET TV
April 29, 2019

https://bit.ly/2V2JvJ2

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno said an allegation of abuse in 1998 against a well-known Bakersfield priest who is currently facing accusations of sexual misconduct was unsubstantiated.

Msgr. Craig Harrison, who for years has served as pastor of St. Francis Catholic Church, is facing sexual abuse allegations from two men. One is claiming sexual misconduct occurred while Harrison served as a priest in Firebaugh, the other in Merced. 

Diocese officials on Monday said an allegation against Harrison in 1998 was unsubstantiated. 

The current allegations surfaced Thursday and Saturday, respectively. Harrison has denied wrongdoing.

His attorney, Kyle J. Humphrey, has said, "These people are committing character assassination on a good man. We will continue to fight against these false allegations and we will restore Monsignor Craig’s good name and see him reinstated to his rightful place as pastor of Saint Francis parish."

Harrison has been placed on leave.