Newport This Week

Newport Psychologist Arrested for Sexual Assault


Christopher John Cunningham, 58, who has worked as a clinical psychologist in Newport since 2013, was arrested on April 14 by the Rhode Island Fugitive Task Force after being charged in California with 12 felony counts of lewd acts upon a child under the age of 14.

Cunningham, a former Catholic priest, was taken into custody at his 13 Sylvan Terrace home, according to the Rhode Island State Police.

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said that the charges came after the former priest was accused of sexually assaulting four boys at two different parishes more than two decades ago.

“The victims were innocent children who have spent most of their lives with the trauma caused by the abuse alleged in this case,” Gascón said. “My office is committed to holding accountable anyone who abuses and takes advantage of our children, especially when they hold a position of trust.”

According to the L.A. County Attorney’s Office, Cunningham allegedly sexually assaulted an 11-year-old boy on two occasions between November 1995 and September 1997. He also allegedly sexually assaulted a boy at the victim’s home between June 1996 and June 1998 while working as an associate pastor at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Palmdale, California.

While working at Saint Lawrence Martyr Catholic Church in Redondo Beach, California, he allegedly sexually assaulted a 12-year-old boy on two occasions between July 1998 and January 2001. During that same time, he also allegedly sexually assaulted a 10-year-old boy on multiple occasions, according to the L.A. County Attorney’s Office.

Cunningham was arraigned in Kent County Superior Court and is being held without bail as he awaits extradition to California.

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