Former Priest Charged with Sexual Offenses Following Accusations from Two Individuals
A former priest and chaplain, aged 84, is facing charges related to sex crimes that date back to 2009. These charges were filed after two individuals recently stepped forward to accuse him.
The accused, Robert Byrnes, has been charged with serious sexual assault without consent, obstruction, and official oppression.
Details of the Allegations
Byrnes, who served as a chaplain for the state police and other law enforcement agencies until 2018, was provided with a badge and a state police uniform. He resided in an apartment over the kitchen at a religious center in Greensburg.
Earlier this year, the first individual reported a sexual assault that allegedly took place in 2014 at the same religious center where Byrnes lived. At the time of the purported incident, the accuser was employed in the center's kitchen.
According to the individual's statement, Byrnes touched him inappropriately from behind and underneath his underwear. The actions were uninvited and unwanted.
Second Victim Comes Forward
As the investigation into the first claim progressed, another individual who also worked in the kitchen came forward. This person alleged that Byrnes developed a friendship with him and would frequently invite him to his apartment after work.
Further allegations included Byrnes inviting the second individual to casinos, watching him shower, and supplying him with alcohol. The individual also claimed to have awoken naked in the same bed as Byrnes, who was touching him inappropriately. Again, these actions were not invited or wanted.
The second individual also reported that Byrnes took him to state police events, which led the individual to quit his job in 2014 following an incident of unwanted touching at a casino.
Confrontation and Legal Proceedings
Both individuals recently confronted Byrnes about the alleged abuse in recorded conversations. It is reported that during these confrontations, Byrnes attempted to discourage them from reporting the abuse and offered them counseling. He also asked the individuals for forgiveness and requested they ask God to forgive him.
Byrnes appeared in court and was released on a $250,000 unsecured bail. He is scheduled to return to court in June.
Religious Institution's Response
The religious institution where Byrnes served responded on a Saturday that they were notified of an allegation of misconduct between an adult and a priest on March 23. They immediately informed the authorities and cooperated with the subsequent investigation.
The institution stated that for the past eight years, Byrnes has not been actively involved in any parish or entity. Following a recommendation and review by the Clergy Review Board, he was placed on inactive status in 2018.
The institution further emphasized that the safety and well-being of children, vulnerable individuals, or any person, is their highest priority. They treat these charges with utmost seriousness, expressing concern for anyone who may have been harmed.
They urge anyone with information or who has suffered abuse to contact local law enforcement promptly.
A former priest and chaplain, aged 84, is facing charges related to sex crimes that date back to 2009. These charges were filed after two individuals recently stepped forward to accuse him.
The accused, Robert Byrnes, has been charged with serious sexual assault without consent, obstruction, and official oppression.
Details of the Allegations
Byrnes, who served as a chaplain for the state police and other law enforcement agencies until 2018, was provided with a badge and a state police uniform. He resided in an apartment over the kitchen at a religious center in Greensburg.
Earlier this year, the first individual reported a sexual assault that allegedly took place in 2014 at the same religious center where Byrnes lived. At the time of the purported incident, the accuser was employed in the center's kitchen.
According to the individual's statement, Byrnes touched him inappropriately from behind and underneath his underwear. The actions were uninvited and unwanted.
Second Victim Comes Forward
As the investigation into the first claim progressed, another individual who also worked in the kitchen came forward. This person alleged that Byrnes developed a friendship with him and would frequently invite him to his apartment after work.
Further allegations included Byrnes inviting the second individual to casinos, watching him shower, and supplying him with alcohol. The individual also claimed to have awoken naked in the same bed as Byrnes, who was touching him inappropriately. Again, these actions were not invited or wanted.
The second individual also reported that Byrnes took him to state police events, which led the individual to quit his job in 2014 following an incident of unwanted touching at a casino.
Confrontation and Legal Proceedings
Both individuals recently confronted Byrnes about the alleged abuse in recorded conversations. It is reported that during these confrontations, Byrnes attempted to discourage them from reporting the abuse and offered them counseling. He also asked the individuals for forgiveness and requested they ask God to forgive him.
Byrnes appeared in court and was released on a $250,000 unsecured bail. He is scheduled to return to court in June.
Religious Institution's Response
The religious institution where Byrnes served responded on a Saturday that they were notified of an allegation of misconduct between an adult and a priest on March 23. They immediately informed the authorities and cooperated with the subsequent investigation.
The institution stated that for the past eight years, Byrnes has not been actively involved in any parish or entity. Following a recommendation and review by the Clergy Review Board, he was placed on inactive status in 2018.
The institution further emphasized that the safety and well-being of children, vulnerable individuals, or any person, is their highest priority. They treat these charges with utmost seriousness, expressing concern for anyone who may have been harmed.
They urge anyone with information or who has suffered abuse to contact local law enforcement promptly.