Fr. Kevin Kayda - Diocese of Harrisburg
Ordained: June 2013
Accused of Abuse: September 2013
Died: October 2013
Assigned as follows:
- June- October 2013 St. John the Baptist (New Freedom, PA)
Summary of Allegations against Fr. Kevin Kayda:
Less than three months after Fr. Kevin Kayda was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Harrisburg, the Diocese received information that Kayda had "inappropriate online communications" with a young girl on Facebook. One of her parents reported the incident to the Diocese, who confronted Kayda and requested permission to conduct a forensic examination of his computer. Kayda was also ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation at Villa St. John Vianney, a notorious pedophile priest treatment facility in Downington, Pennsylvania.
Kayda surrendered his computer for examination on October 1, 2013, which ultimately revealed pornographic material depicting adolescents. In its August 2018 list of accused priests, the Diocese of Harrisburg confirmed not only the existence of child pornography on the priest's laptop, but also evidence that he visited websites featuring child pornography.
Kayda took his own life on October 3, 2013. He wrote multiple suicide notes, according to the grand jury. At least one alluded to Kayda being a victim of sexual abuse himself, but he did not identify his abuser.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims of sexual abuse in the Diocese of Harrisburg and throughout Pennsylvania. The Diocese of Harrisburg filed for federal bankruptcy protection in February 2020. Anyone sexually abused by a priest or employee of the Diocese of Harrisburg may be entitled to file a claim against the Diocese in these bankruptcy proceedings, but very strict filing deadlines apply. Most victims of abuse in the Diocese of Harrisburg will never be able to take action against the Diocese of Harrisburg if they miss this bankruptcy filing deadline, so it is important that you contact us immediately to discuss your potential case.
Contact us at 888-283-9922 or adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com to discuss your legal options today.