The Catholic Diocese of Richmond has removed the pastor of St. John the Apostle parish in Virginia Beach amid concerns about his handling of sexual abuse allegations involving a parishioner. Fr. Rob Cole will no longer serve as pastor as of June 12, 2024, according to a statement from the Diocese. The decision comes after a sex abuse scandal involving Vince Jakawich, who was accused of sexually abusing a student from St. John the Apostle Catholic School in 2020. Jakawich pleaded guilty to a lesser charge before his death. Father Esteban De Leon from Star of the Sea Catholic Church will serve at St. John’s until a new pastor is assigned.
The Virginia Beach Police Department investigated Jakawich for the reported abuse, which allegedly happened off school grounds. The Diocese took action to remove Fr. Cole in order for the parish to benefit from new pastoral leadership. The Diocese is committed to ensuring the safety of all parishioners and addressing any concerns related to sexual abuse. The new pastor of St. John the Apostle parish will be assigned at a later date. In the meantime, Father Esteban De Leon will oversee the parish as it transitions to new leadership.
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