Sect’s NY bishop arrested on sex charges: police

Mineola, USA - A Long Island bishop who is part of a Roman Catholic splinter group has been arrested on charges he sexually abused a teenager.

Dennis McCormack pleaded not guilty Thursday at his arraignment on charges of committing a criminal sex act and endangering the welfare of a child. The 41-year-old Massapequa resident was arrested Wednesday.

McCormack describes himself on a Web site as the founder of the Society of the Immaculata. He performs Mass at a local American Legion hall.

He was ordered held on $150,000 bond. He was represented by an attorney from Legal Aid, which has a policy of not commenting on pending cases.

A spokesman for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre says McCormack has no affiliation with the church.