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Richmond Diocese gives Virginia Beach pastor ultimatum over handling of parishioner's sex abuse allegations

Attention is turning to church and school leaders following sex abuse allegations aimed at a now-deceased parishioner.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The fallout continues at Saint John the Apostle's Church, following a sex abuse scandal that stunned community members and led to the conviction of a parishioner.

According to court documents from Virginia Beach, a man named Vince Jakawich was the subject of an investigation in which he faced a felony aggravated sexual battery of a minor charge stemming from an unspecified incident in the summer months of 2020. 

The victim is under the age of 13 and attended Saint John the Apostle's Church. Investigators said the alleged assault happened off school and church grounds. Jakawich later turned himself in and pled guilty to a lesser charge of assault and battery.

Now, church and school leaders could face disciplinary action from the Catholic Diocese of Richmond over their handling of the situation, despite no criminal charges filed by Virginia Beach Police.

The school's former principal, Mariam Cotton, already resigned from her position in the days following the scandal. 

Rev. Rob Cole, pastor of the church, is facing similar calls to resign, but some parishioners are supporting him.

In an online post from the church's men's rosary group, the 'Sword of Truth Rosary Group,' parishioners said Cole has been given two options following a meeting with Richmond's bishop.

Cole could either voluntarily step down from his position as pastor and be given an administrative position, or he could choose to "fight" the case.

Should Cole choose the second option, supporters said Cole would receive no financial support from the Richmond Diocese and would still be forcibly removed from his position.

Those associated with the group wrote that Cole "is a good man and a great priest who is serving the SJA flock in our time of need."

13News Now reached out to the Diocese of Richmond and a spokesperson released the following statement: "The Diocese is committed to ensuring that our institutions provide an environment where our children are safe and thrive."

Supporters of Cole said he has until June 12 to make a decision.

In the meantime, Very Reverend Esteban De Leon, VF, pastor of nearby Star of the Sea Catholic Church, has been appointed as a temporary administrator for the parish.

The Diocese also said the Office of Catholic Schools will provide additional support to school administration. 

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