The local law enforcement confirmed that Jeremiah York, who held positions as the Director of Liturgical Ministries and the Executive Assistant to the Rector at the Oakland Cathedral, was taken into custody for allegedly having and distributing child pornography.

According to a spokesperson for the police, Walnut Creek authorities arrested York, who lives in Walnut Creek, on Friday, Jan. 6. 

NBC Bay Area reported that the investigation is ongoing, and the case has not yet been transferred to the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office.

Suspect’s Background

According to Helen Osman, a spokesperson for the Diocese, York had been working for the organization since June 14, 2021. 

According to East Bay Times, Osman stated that York’s main responsibilities involved planning and preparing liturgies at the Cathedral of Christ the Light on Harrison Street. 

She also stated that York was involved in organizing weddings and funerals, working with California docents, and overseeing the altar servers, all of which are mostly comprised of adults.

However, he has not worked there since the first week of January and is no longer employed by any parish or school within the Diocese.

Osman stated that the Diocese had conducted a review of the situation.

She stated that they had not found any evidence of criminal activity by York during his employment or on cathedral property involving parishioners, including minors. 

The diocese has cooperated with law enforcement, and the arrest did not occur on cathedral property.

Concern about Lay Official's Arrest

According to KRON4, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) issued a statement expressing their worries about the diocese's lack of public notification regarding the arrest. 

They believe that York might have had access to children at the parish until he was removed from his position in January. 

The Cathedral's CCD and related programs are attended by many boys and girls. As a photographer, York has taken pictures of Oakland Bishop Michael Barber performing various rites that included children, according to the organization's statement.

According to Joey Piscitelli, a Northern California representative of SNAP, the organization believes that church leaders should have been more open and honest about York's arrest. 

In an interview with the Bay Area News Group, Piscitelli stated that the Diocese did not notify the public about the situation right away, which is very concerning. 

He believes that the Diocese should have immediately reached out to the community so that parents could check with their children and ensure their safety. 

However, Piscitelli stated that nobody was given that opportunity because of the lack of transparency from the Diocese.

Osman explained in an email that the organization did not immediately disclose information about York's arrest to the congregation because they did not want to interfere with the ongoing investigation.

She stated that it was not wise to make any public announcements that might jeopardize the case. 

The Walnut Creek Police Department intends to refer the case to the District Attorney's office, but they have not established a timeline for doing so yet.

 

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