NEW CITY – A Catholic priest has been indicted by a Rockland County grand jury on two counts of rape, and six counts of a criminal sexual act.
Fidel Hernandez, 51, will be arraigned next week.
“This indictment sends the message that this office will prosecute those who are to be trusted by their congregants,” said District Attorney Thomas Walsh II. “We cannot turn a blind eye to clergy sexual abuse cases. I hope that this indictment encourages others who may have been seen, suspected or suffered clergy sex crimes to come forward and make a report to their local police or district attorneys.”
If anyone knows of a potential victim or has been a victim, they are asked to call their local police department or the Rockland County DA Special Victims unit.
