Father Robert Timchak
Diocese of Scranton
Ordained: 1992
Leave of absence: 2006-2007, 2009
Laicized: 2014
Assigned as follows:
- 1992-1994: St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception (Wilkes-Barre, PA)
- 1994-1996: Seton Catholic High School (Pittston, PA)
- 1996-1998: Bishop Hoban High School (Wilkes-Barre, PA)
- 1996-1998: Holy Savior (Wilkes-Barre, PA)
- 1998-2006: Annunciation (Williamsport, PA)
- 2000-2006: Transfiguration (West Hazleton, PA)
- 2000-2006: Ss. Peter and Paul (Hazleton, PA)
- 2006-2007: Leave of Absence
- 2007-2009: St. Vincent de Paul (Milford, PA)
- 2007-2009: St. John Neumann (Lords Valley, PA)
- 2009: Leave of Absence
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Father Robert Timchak:
Father Robert Timchak was ordained a priest in 1992, who served in multiple parishes in the Diocese of Scranton. According to media reports, in 2018, he was first named publicly as accused in the PA Grand Jury report. It noted that in December 2008, the Diocese received an anonymous letter that Father Robert Timchak was downloading child pornography.
The grand jury report suggests that some of these downloads were included in the letter. The letter and its contents were forwarded to the local district attorney. Timchak eventually pled guilty to use/possession of child pornography. He was sentenced to six to 72-months in prison. He was released in June 2012.
The grand jury report does not allege that Timchak had inappropriate physical contact with any children in the Diocese of Scranton. It also does not discuss the unusual year-long leave of absence that Timchak took from 2006-2007.
Timchak has since been released from prison and now resides in Warrior Run, Pennsylvania. He is a registered sex offender.
On October 24, 2022, Robert Timchak was again arrested. This time he is accused of downloading graphic videos of children engaged in sexual acts. When law enforcement asked Robert Timchak about the videos, he explained that he downloaded the videos from various pornographic websites. Timchak was charged with four counts of dissemination of photos or videos of children involved in sex acts, two counts of criminal use of a communication facility, and a single count of child pornography.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Scranton. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in Pennsylvania, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Scranton may have legal options, but filing deadlines will apply so do not delay in reaching out to us. Our lawyers have decades of experience representing survivors of clergy sexual abuse in Pennsylvania and nationwide. We can help.
Contact us at 888-283-9922 or [email protected] to discuss your options today.