Bodycam shows church employee arrested for rape, sexual battery, unlawful sexual conduct with minor
By: -----
Avon, OH - A Northeast Ohio parish employee is now under indictment, accused of multiple instances of sexual abuse involving a minor.
A Cuyahoga County grand jury on Feb. 25 indicted Andres Andino, 59, of Cleveland, on five felony counts, including rape, sexual battery and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
He was arrested on Sunday, March 16, a diocese spokesperson said.
His indictment alleges multiple offenses that happened between 2013 and 2018 when the victim was between 13 and 16 years old and while Andino was in a position of authority over the victim.
Andino, who apparently goes by Andy, is the director of worship at Saint John Bosco Catholic Church along Pearl Road in Parma Heights, according to its website, which now lists him as being on administrative leave.
Andino also worked part-time in Saint Joseph Parish in Avon Lake, according to a Friday statement from a diocese spokesperson. He is now on unpaid leave from both parishes, pending the outcome of the investigation, said the spokesperson.
"The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, Saint John Bosco Parish and Saint Joseph Parish leadership were shocked and dismayed to learn of the arrest of a parish employee, Andres Andino, Sunday evening, March 16, on very serious and troubling charges. … We have taken steps to ensure that any parish or school at which he was volunteering within the diocese has suspended his volunteer activity. We pray that the legal process reveals the truth and that justice is served."
Statement from the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland
Andino pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Wednesday, March 19. He later posted a $50,000 bond.
No future court dates have been set.