Fr. Ernest Hayes: Accused of Sexual Misconduct

Fr. Ernest Hayes

Ordination: 1961

Assignments:

  • 1962-1965: St. George, Ontario, CA
  • 1966: Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Indio, CA
  • 1967-1969: Holy Trinity, El Cajon, CA
  • 1970: Boys’ Town of the Desert, Banning, CA
  • 1971: Sacred Heart, Coronado, CA
  • 1972-1974: Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Brawley, CA
  • 1975-1976: St. Mel, Norco, CA
  • 1977: Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Riverside, CA
  • 1978-1984: St. Anne, San Bernardino, CA
  • 1985: Unknown
  • 1986: On Educational Leave
  • 1987: Unknown
  • 1988-1989: Special Assignment
  • 1988: St. Bernardine Medical Center, San Bernardino, CA
  • 1989-1990: Christ the Good Shepherd, Adelanto, CA
  • 1990: Died

According to the Diocese of San Bernardino, Fr. Ernest Hayes was accused of perpetrating child sexual abuse in 1978 to 1983, 1981, and 1987. The Diocese was made aware of the allegations in 1987, but Fr. Hayes was permitted to continue working in the Diocese until his death in 1990. The allegations were not reported to police until 2002. Fr. Hayes was included in the Diocese of San Bernardino’s list of clergy credibly accused of child sexual abuse.