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The Catholic Diocese of Richmond is investigating allegations of sexual abuse at a Virginia Beach Catholic school. The accusations were made against a now-deceased parent of a student at St. John the Apostle. As a result of the investigation, the parish priest overseeing the school and the school principal have been temporarily reassigned.

Meredith Hatchell, a mother of a St. John student, reported to school officials that a parent, Vincent Jakawich, allegedly molested her daughter, leading to an investigation by the Diocese. Jakawich later died by suicide in North Carolina.

The Diocese stated that Father Rob Cole has been placed on temporary leave and Principal Mariam Cotton has decided to retire. The Rev. Esteban De Leon and Assistant Principal Jennifer Davey have been appointed as temporary administrators.

Parents were informed of the allegations in a letter from Cotton, which urged them to speak with their children about inappropriate touching. Hatchell, who was arrested for trespassing after distributing letters addressing the accusations, revealed that her daughter had accused Jakawich of abuse.

Jakawich had previously been charged with felony aggravated sexual battery on a victim under 13. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor and served a suspended sentence. The victim’s family agreed to the plea due to contradictory evidence.

Hatchell expressed feeling betrayed by Jakawich, whom she trusted. The investigation is ongoing, and updates can be found on WAVY.com.

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