A priest at New York’s St. Michael’s church allegedly physically and sexually assaulted a guard in early November, according to a Catholic church abuse criminal investigation initiated by the Manhattan district attorney’s office.

The New York Times reports that Rev. George William Rutler is accused of masturbating and viewing pornography in front of the guard and then physically and sexually assaulting her when she attempted to leave. The incident reportedly took place in Rutler’s office in the Church of St. Michael the Archangel.

According to the New York Times, Fr. Rutler is well known as a conservative Catholic priest who has been an outspoken critic of the liberal policies of Pope Francis. He has written dozens of books and hosted a T.V. show on a Catholic channel available worldwide.

Fr. Rutler, who is 75 years old, allegedly invited the security guard, a five-foot tall 22-year-old, to rest on a couch in his office in the early morning hours of Nov. 4, 2020. The guard was reportedly hired to guard the church during the election and was on her second night of work.

According to The New York Times, the priest said he was checking election results on his computer, but the guard says, after a while, she heard sexual noises coming from his computer. She reportedly says she looked over and saw him watching gay pornography and masturbating. She says she became fearful and began recording the interaction as she tried to leave. As she tried to leave, she says that he physically and sexually assaulted her before she managed to escape.

Fr. Rutler has reportedly “voluntarily stepped aside” from his role as pastor of St. Michael’s church. According to the National Catholic Reporter, the priest wrote a letter to his parishioners vehemently denying the allegations.

“I strongly deny this allegation, which I maintain is incoherent and painful to my reputation and inconsistent with how I have conducted myself in fifty years of ministerial service without any accusation of misbehavior,” states the letter.

NCR reports that Rutler is still listed on signs at the church as the pastor.

Priest Known for Anti-LGBT Views

According to The Metro Weekly, Fr. Rutler is known for opposing gay people, as well as other conservative views. Reportedly, the priest is a well-known figure in the conservative Catholic community who has also expressed skepticism of those who claim they were abused by clergy as children.

The National Catholic Reporter notes that Rutler became the pastor of St. Michaels in 2013 and made the church the center of conservative Catholic causes. Rutler reportedly hosted former Trump advisor Steve Bannon during the installation of a shrine for persecuted Christians. In addition, he has reportedly written a weekly newsletter that is picked up by the right-wing publication, the Church Militant.

In addition, Fr. Rutler is reportedly known for hosting a show on the Catholic channel, the Eternal Word Television Network. According to NCR, the network has temporarily suspended Rutler’s programs.

Assault Allegations Investigated

While Fr. Rutler maintains his innocence, the Manhattan district attorney’s office says that it continues to investigate the allegations.

“We encourage anyone with relevant information to contact our office,” says a statement from the office that also indicates the criminal investigation is “active and ongoing.”

The security guard reportedly hired an investigation firm to help her file a police report for sexual assault after the incident. According to News 12, a local station that first reported the case, the firm, Black Ops, is calling for the arrest of Fr. Rutler. Additionally, the guard says she has not been able to bring herself to return to work since the incident.

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.