A 40-year-old, off-duty, NYPD chaplain has been arrested in The Bronx for allegedly “patronizing prostitution” police said.

 

An NYPD spokesperson said that on Friday, Feb. 28, at 11.23 a.m. an off-duty NYPD employee, Fr. Michael Eguino, was arrested and charged within the confines of the 49th Precinct, which covers the Bronx neighborhoods of Allerton, Morris Park, Van Nest, Pelham Parkway, Eastchester Gardens, and Pelham Gardens.

 

Eguino was charged with allegedly paying for sex. Norwood News reached out to the NYPD for more information on the age of the person who was allegedly paid for sex, as well as Eguino’s employment location. A department spokesperson responded on Saturday, March 1, saying the person from whom sex was [allegedly] solicited was 20 years old, and added that chaplains are not assigned to any specific precinct.

 

We also reached out to the Bronx District Attorney’s office for additional information on the circumstances of the arrest, and to the Archdiocese of New York for comment on the arrest. The Archdiocese of New York shared a statement on March 1 which representatives said had been shared with parishioners of St. Anselm Parish in the South Bronx, where Eguino is the local pastor.

 

It read, “As you may have heard in the media, an allegation of inappropriate behavior with an adult woman has been made against your pastor, Father Michael Eguino. While it is painful for all to hear this, our people have expressed that they appreciate hearing from us directly.

 

It continued, “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 from the parish while the matter is investigated.”

 

It concluded, “As always, the Archdiocese of New York will cooperate with the investigation by the appropriate authorities. During this time, we remain united in prayer for all those involved, especially the parish family of St. Anselm.”

 

We will share any updates we receive from the Bronx District Attorneys’ Office. We are also attempting to contact Fr. Eguino for comment and will share any updates we receive.

 

Eguino was appointed an NYPD chaplain in August 2021, according to an NYPD Chaplains Unit brochure. He was ordained a Catholic priest in July of 2015 and serves as the parochial vicar of St. Anselm Church. He also serves as one of the spiritual directors for the NYPD Manhattan, Bronx, and Staten Island Holy Name Society.

 

According to the same brochure, in his spare time, Eguino enjoys fishing, traveling, strategy games, playing sports, and is a fan of the Yankees, Knicks, and Jets. He is deemed innocent unless and until convicted in a court of law.

Recognizing a need to attend to the emotional and spiritual needs of its members, according to the NYPD, the department formed the Chaplains Unit in 1906. “Since that time, we have been successfully helping countless members of the service and their families during difficult or stressful times,” an extract from the NYPD Chaplains Unit brochure read.

 

“The Chaplains Unit provides confidential counseling, spiritual assistance, and moral guidance. In addition, chaplains are available for various religious services upon request,” the extract continued. “Our department chaplains are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and respond directly to serious incidents involving members of the service.”

 

It concluded, “Department chaplains also provide pastoral care by visiting members of the service who are injured or sick. Our chaplains provide needed support and outreach by visiting police facilities to promote officer well-being. This gives the chaplains an opportunity to interact with members at their commands.”