Former president of prestigious Long Island Catholic school is suspended over claims he sexually abused a minor

By Alexandra Klausner
Daily Mail (UK)
May 15, 2016

http://goo.gl/VpEJNN

Suspended: Rev. James Williams (pcitured above) has denied the sex abuse allegations

A priest and former president of a prestigious Catholic high school on Long Island in New York has been suspended after the order says allegations of sexual abuse of a student were deemed credible.

The Marianist order, also known as the Society of Mary, said Friday it conducted a 'comprehensive investigation.' Details of the alleged abuse have no been revealed. 

They say Rev. James Williams has denied the allegations.

Prosecutors say the statute of limitations for misdemeanor sexual abuse expired in 2013. They say the victim was legally an adult at the time and has said twice he doesn't want to press charges.

Williams resigned in 2011 as president of the all-boys Chaminade High School but remained a priest.

He could not be reached Saturday. There was no immediate information on a lawyer who could comment on his behalf.

'It’s always hard for victims of sexual violence to report these heinous crimes. It’s harder when the perpetrator is an alleged man of God. And it’s especially hard in Catholic school settings that are relatively small and tightly knit with deep loyalties and so we are deeply grateful to this brave victim,' said David Clohessy, a spokesman for the Survivor’s Network of those Abused by Priests said, according to the New York Post. 

Chaminade is a well known school whose alumni include Fox News commentator Bill O’Reilly, U.S. Senator Alfonse D’Amato, and actor Brian Dennehy, according to the New York Post 

The priest was president of school since 1999, reported the New York Daily News.

 'We believe our actions reflect the solemn promise we have made to ensure the protection of the young men entrusted to us, our highest priority,' the Marianists said.