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Cult Watch Title: Longtime Catholic priest accused of inappropriate contact placed on leave in Rowlett A longtime Catholic priest has been placed on leave and is under investigation by Rowlett police after two teenage girls and some parish staff members accused him of touching them inappropriately. The women told the Catholic Diocese of Dallas that in recent months the Rev. Bob Crisp, a priest at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, had made them feel uncomfortable, giving them lengthy hugs and rubbing his feet against their legs. The hugs and leg rubs took place at the Rowlett church when other parishioners were nearby, said diocese spokeswoman Annette Gonzales Taylor. "It was never that he took someone off alone," she said. "It always happened in front of other people, whether in a meeting or in a gathering area." In a statement released through the diocese, Crisp said, "I would like to extend my sincere apology to anyone who was offended by my behavior. I understand that my actions caused discomfort for some, and I am truly sorry for this. I appreciate that the diocese has reported this to the authorities so that all parties can feel these concerns are given serious and thoughtful attention. "I am currently working with a counselor and intend to learn from this experience and develop a much better understanding of personal and professional boundaries," he said. Bishop Kevin Farrell granted Crisp's request for a six-month leave from the parish in late April. Crisp, 61, has served at several North Texas parishes during the past 30 years and has been assigned to Sacred Heart for about a decade. In a letter to Sacred Heart parishioners earlier this month, Farrell said that Crisp won't return to that church. "Whenever there is a sudden departure like this, it raises many questions," wrote Farrell, who described the incidents as "inappropriate and unwanted touching." The women complained of "prolonged hugs" and said that Crisp would take off his shoes and stroke their legs with his feet, Farrell said in the letter. Because the girls are teenagers, the diocese informed Child Protective Services, Gonzales Taylor said. Agency spokeswoman Marissa Gonzales said she couldn't comment about the case. Rowlett police started an investigation into the allegations after CPS officials contacted the department, said police spokesman John Ellison. The Police Department said it wouldn't release an incident report involving Crisp because the case was pending. Crisp joined the Dallas Diocese in the 1970s and has been assigned to several parishes, including Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Garland and St. Pius X Catholic Church in northeast Dallas. He also served as a board member of the Greater Dallas Community of Churches.
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