Suffern Police Department working in conjunction with the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Special Victims Unit charged Fidel Hernandez, age 51, with the crimes of Rape 1st Degree, Criminal Sexual Act 1st Degree, Sexual Abuse 1st Degree and Forcible Touching. Hernandez is a member of Tagaste Monastery and Sacred Heart Church located in the Village of Suffern.

The investigation started after a congregant notified a Priest at Tagaste Monastery about an incident that occurred in 2018 where she alleges she was sexually assaulted here in Suffern. The clergy member then contacted the NY Archdiocese who contacted the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office. The District Attorney’s Office then contacted the Suffern Police Department Detective Bureau who opened an investigation. During the course of the investigation a second victim came forward stating that she was sexually assaulted by the defendant as well.

This is an ongoing investigation and anyone that feels they were a victim or knows of a potential victim is asked to contact either the Suffern Police Department or the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office. Hernandez was arraigned this afternoon in Suffern Justice Court and released on $50,000 bail pending a future court date.