Andres Andino pleaded not guilty at an arraignment hearing on Wednesday, March 19.
A 59-year-old Director of Worship at St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Parma Heights, named Andres Andino, is facing charges related to sex crimes involving a minor, as per information gathered by 3News.
In addition, he also works part-time at St. Joseph Parish in Avon Lake.
According to Cuyahoga County court records, Andino, a Cleveland resident, was charged with the following:
- Sexual battery (two counts)
- Unlawful sexual conduct with a minor (two counts)
- Rape
Authorities from Avon Lake informed 3News that Andino’s vehicle was identified by a FLOCK camera on Sunday, signaling a connection to an active warrant from the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office. He was apprehended without resistance and transferred to the Lorain County Jail.
At the arraignment hearing held on March 19, Andino entered a plea of not guilty. Subsequently, a bail amount of $50,000 was established and has since been paid. Furthermore, he has been instructed to refrain from contacting the purported victim(s).
According to an indictment, the alleged offenses happened from Feb. 25, 2013, through Feb. 24, 2018.
According to officials, Andino has been placed on administrative leave at both parishes.
The Diocese of Cleveland released the following statement to 3News regarding Andino:
The Catholic Diocese of Cleveland, St. John Bosco Parish (Parma Heights), and St. Joseph Parish (Avon Lake) 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. Mr. Andino was employed full-time at St. John Bosco Parish and part-time at St. Joseph Parish. The parishes at which he was employed have placed him on unpaid leave while this matter is further investigated. In addition, 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.
