Fayette County priest sentenced to prison time for assault of 11-year-old altar boy

FAYETTE COUNTY, Pa. — A Fayette County priest was sentenced to prison time for sexually assaulting an altar boy.

Father Andrew Kawecki will serve up to five years in state prison for assaulting the boy, starting in 2004 when the victim was 11 years old, and continuing until he was 14.

PREVIOUS STORY: Priest placed on leave after being accused of sexually abusing minor

PREVIOUS STORY: Local priest must register as sex offender after plea in altar boy’s abuse case

“The bravery of this survivor helped us hold Andrew Kawecki accountable, and he will now go to prison for his unthinkable crimes,” said Attorney General Josh Shapiro. “My office will continue to seek justice and accountability for those who use their position of power and trust to prey on their communities.”

Kawecki was charged in August 2020 after it was reported to investigators that he forced sexual encounters with the victim.

A release says that the assaults continued for three years in the back room of St. Cyril and Methodius Church, where Kawecki prepared for services before mass.

Kawecki will be required to register as a sex offender for 10 years after his release from prison.

Local priest charged with sexually assaulting altar boy

©2022 Cox Media Group