Watch CBS News

Priest In Pearl River Suspended Amid Allegations Of Sex Abuse

PEARL RIVER, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A Rockland County priest has been suspended after sex abuse claims have surfaced from decades ago.

As WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported, not only was Monsignor John O'Keefe the priest at St. Margaret in Pearl River, he was also the president of Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains.

But after a man came forward claiming he was abused by O'Keefe in the early 1980's, Cardinal Timothy Dolan said in a letter that O'Keefe will no longer be permitted to function as a priest until the matter is resolved.

O'Keefe has not been charged with any crime.

The man claimed he was abused by the priest on two occasions, one in New York and one in Virginia. However, both incidents are beyond the statute of limitations.

Dolan said that anyone with additional concerns about O'Keefe should contact authorities.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.