Fr. Jaime Duenas, stationed at the Nativity of Our Blessed Lady Church in Eastchester, was arraigned on charges of sexual abuse, forcible touching and endangering a child.
He was released on his own recognizance Wednesday night.
Duenas was accused of sexually abusing a 16-year-old girl three times over the last two weeks.
The Archdiocese released the following statement Thursday:
"The Archdiocese of New York today suspended Father Jamie Duenas following his arrest last night on charges of inappropriate touching of a teenage girl. He will leave the parish and not be permitted to function as a priest, at least until the matter is resolved. A thorough review of his file indicates that there have been no allegations of such behavior brought against him in the past. Father Duenas is 87 years old and has served at the Church of the Nativity of Our Blessed Lady since 1991. He was born in Columbia, and was ordained a priest there in 1950. He has served in the Archdiocese of New York since the late 1960s. The Archdiocese of New York is committed to providing a safe environment for all, especially our children and young people. We will cooperate fully with the District Attorney in whatever investigation may be conducted."
