A man who used to teach at Mount Saint Joseph High School in Baltimore for over 20 years is now being accused of sexually abusing a minor.
Brother Robert Flaherty was a teacher at Mount Saint Joseph in Baltimore from 1972 to 1979, and then became a member of the Xaverian Brothers in 1979. After becoming a brother, he continued to teach in Baltimore from 1980 to 1993 and 2008 to 2010.
Officials are saying that Brother Flaherty sexually abused a minor while he was in Baltimore, but officials with the school are saying the alleged abuse did not happen with a current or former student.
As of Wednesday morning, Brother Flaherty has been suspended from teaching at St. John's Preparatory School in Danvers, Massachusetts. He was a teacher there from 1999-2007 and 2010 until his recent suspension. He also taught at St. Xavier in Louisville, Kentucky from 1994 to 1999.
According to a letter sent by the President of Mount Saint Joseph High School, the Baltimore City civil authorities told the Xaverian Brothers about the abuse allegations, and the school was then notified.
The letter, written by George E. Andrews, also encouraged people to come forward if they know about any incidents regarding Brother Flaherty.
"The safety and wellbeing of our students is paramount at Mount Saint Joseph. We routinely review and implement policies, procedures, and trainings to ensure that safeguards are in place to protect our students. If anyone has knowledge of misconduct of any kind, we urge you to come forward and to report it immediately to civil authorities."
In addition to being suspended, the Xaverian Brothers have removed Brother Flaherty from active ministry pending the investigation.
Officials have not released any additional information about the allegation.
