NEW YORK CITY (WABC) – Rev. Michael Eguino, a Catholic priest and NYPD chaplain, has been arrested for allegedly attempting to hire a prostitute in the Bronx, authorities confirmed.
Eguino, 40, was charged with patronizing prostitution after being taken into custody at 11:20 a.m. on Friday at a motel in Pelham Gardens, according to sources cited by the New York Post and New York Daily News.
Appointed as an NYPD chaplain in August 2021, Eguino also served as a spiritual director for the NYPD Manhattan, Bronx, and Staten Island Holy Name Society. He was ordained as a Catholic priest in July 2015 and was serving as pastor at St. Anselm Church in the Bronx at the time of his arrest.
Following the incident, the Archdiocese of New York addressed parishioners of St. Anselm Parish, acknowledging the allegations while affirming Eguino’s denial.
“Father Eguino denies the allegations and maintains the presumption of his innocence. However, for the good of the parish, Father Eguino has voluntarily stepped away while the matter is investigated,” the Archdiocese stated.
Church officials pledged to cooperate with authorities during the investigation, urging the parish community to remain united in prayer. Further legal proceedings and disciplinary actions remain pending.
