Father Andrew Kawecki
Diocese of Greensburg
Ordained: 1980
Removed: 2019
Assignment History:
- Church of the Resurrection
- St. John the Baptist (Scottdale, PA)
- St. Joseph (Everson, PA)
- St. Cyril and Methodius Church (Fairchance, PA)
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Fr. Andrew Kawecki:
Fr. Andrew Kawecki was ordained a priest in 1980, who served in multiple parishes in the Diocese of Greensburg. According to media reports, in mid-May 2019, the Diocese of Greensburg announced that it suspended Fr. Andrew Kawecki, following an allegation of sexual abuse that was reported to Pennsylvania’s ChildLine. The Diocese released little information about the allegation except to say that the alleged abuse occurred in approximately 2004. Kawecki was identified in the state’s grand jury report on clergy sexual abuse in 2018 but wasn’t named. He served 15 different parishes in the Diocese of Greensburg from 1980 to 2019.
At the time of his removal, Kawecki was assigned to St. John the Baptist in Scottsdale (Pastor) and St. Joseph in Everson (Administrator). He previously served as Pastor of the Church of the Resurrection, which serves Ernest, Clymer, Glen Campbell, Heilwood, and Rossiter in northern Indiana County.
In August 2020, new allegations came to light against Fr. Kawecki. The victim claims he was sexually assaulted when he was an altar boy at St. Cyril & Methodius Parish in Fairchance, Fayette County, from 2004 to 2007, beginning when he was 11 years old. The alleged victim told investigators that Fr. Kawecki instructed him to arrive early for altar duty and often had him stay late. It was during those times the alleged abuse occurred, according to the affidavit. The victim claims the priest required the boy to masturbate him, and that one time he forced the boy to perform oral sex on him, according to the affidavit.
Fr. Kawecki surrendered to agents of the office of Attorney General Josh Shapiro in Fayette County, where the alleged offenses occurred, according to the office. He is being charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, corruption of minors, and two counts of indecent assault.
In October 2021, Fr. Kawecki pleaded no contest to sexually assaulting an altar boy in Fayette County. In March 2022, Andrew Kawecki was ordered to spend 2 1/2 to 5 years in prison. After he’s released from prison, Kawecki will be required to register as a sex offender.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Greensburg. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in Pennsylvania, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Greensburg may have legal options, but filing deadlines will apply so do not delay in reaching out to us.
Contact us at 888-283-9922 or [email protected] to discuss your legal options today.