Buffalo, N.Y., megachurch pastor pleads guilty to child abuse

A county prosecutor in western New York state announced Monday that John Camardo pleaded guilty to child sexual abuse. Camardo, 47, of Williamsville, N.Y., pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree rape and one count related to sexual conduct against a child, according to a news release from Erie District Attorney Michael Keane. Camardo allegedly sexually assaulted two victims who knew him—one who was under 15 years old and one under 13, according to the district attorney’s office. Camardo’s attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Camardo was the executive pastor of The Chapel, which has four campuses in western New York with about 17,000 members.

The crimes were not connected to the ministry of The Chapel, Lead Pastor Jerry Gillis wrote in a message to the church body. Gillis said the church placed Camardo on leave and contacted police as soon as its leaders heard of the pending allegations. Camardo resigned a few days later. Gillis expressed grief and anger over the incident and said he was sorry for those who previously had Camardo as a point of contact during painful issues in the church’s past.

Camardo previously served as an advocate for victims of a separate sex abuse case connected to a former Chapel youth pastor, according to the Roys Report.

What penalties will Camardo face at sentencing? He could spend between six and eight years in prison, according to the district attorney’s office. His sentencing hearing was scheduled for Sept. 10.