Skip to content
Call Today: 888-283-9922
Horowitz Law Logo
  • About
    • Adam Horowitz
    • Jessica Arbour
    • Elana Goodman
    • Robin Kissin
    • DeeDee Scheller
    • Eric Cantor
    • Alexandra Slater
    • Attorney Referrals
    • Testimonials
  • Who We Sue For Sexual Assault
    • Churches & Other Religious Organizations
    • Massage Businesses
    • Doctors, Healthcare, & Hospitals
    • Schools & Universities
    • Boy Scouts of America
    • Cruise Ships & Yachts
    • Summer Camp
    • Cheer & Other Youth Sports
    • Sexual Assault By Uber & Lyft Drivers
  • Sexual Abuse Lawyers
    • Child Sexual Abuse
  • FAQ
  • Media Coverage
    • Reported Cases
  • Legal Blog
  • Search
Contact Us

Fr. Andrew Pawlaczyk – Diocese of Erie

Home  >  Sexual Abuse Law Blog  >  Fr. Andrew Pawlaczyk – Diocese of Erie

January 7, 2019 | By Horowitz Law
Fr. Andrew Pawlaczyk – Diocese of Erie

Father Andrew Pawlaczyk

Diocese of Erie

Ordained: May 1962

Death: 1982

Assigned as follows:

  • 6/09/1962 - 1971: Cathedral Preparatory, Erie PA
  • 1/22/1971 - 1976: United States Army
  • 8 /1976 - 1978: Hamot Medical Center, Erie PA
  • 5/01/1978 - 1982: Unites States Army

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Father Andrew Pawlaczyk:

According to media reports, in 2018, Father Andrew Pawlaczyk's name was included in the Diocese of Erie list of clergy credibly accused of child sexual abuse. He was also named publicly as accused in the 2018 PA Grand Jury report. The report revealed an April 2011 letter written by a victim addressed to Bishop Trautman, who alleged sexual abuse abuse by Father Pawlaczyk. The victim explained that it began when he was a student at Erie Cathedral Preparatory and Pawlaczyk took him to football games where they were permitted to sit in the press box. Soon after, Pawlaczyk began taking the victim to steam baths, where they sat naked together and Pawlaczyk noted that it was not unusual for one man to whisk the back of another with a strange looking brush while in the steam bath.

Pawlaczyk built a strong relationship with the victim's parents and began visiting their home regularly. The following summer, Pawlaczyk picked up the victim and took him to a cottage on the lakefront. The first thing they did was go swimming without swimsuits. Although the victim thought it was strange, he attributed the behavior to simply being rebellious. After swimming, they went back to the cottage and Pawlaczyk took the victim into the bedroom and told him that he was going to give him a massage.

The victim was face down on the bed with no clothes on. Pawlaczyk then sat on the victim's buttocks-wearing no clothes-while he massaged him. Then they reversed roles. After they were done, the victim found ejaculate in the bed which was not from him.

Continued Abuse Even After Pawlaczyk Moves

When Pawlaczyk was serving in the United States Army and stationed at Walter Reed Hospital, the victim's parents arranged for the victim to fly to Washington, D.C. by himself.

When he arrived, Pawlaczyk took him to the Kennedy Center for a concert and to a basketball game to watch "Pistol" Pete Maravich. From the time he arrived, Pawlaczyk supplied him with cigarettes and alcohol.

After a few nights, Pawlaczyk suggested that instead of sleeping in separate rooms, they should sleep on the fold out beds in the living room. They again performed mutual massages and then Pawlaczyk fondled the victim's genitals. Pawlaczyk asked him, "Have you ever had an erection like this?"

That same evening Pawlaczyk took the victim into the shower so they could wash each other. Pawlaczyk also let the victim drink heavily and the victim did not recall what occurred the following night. The next day, the victim left for home and never saw Pawlaczyk again.

The Grand Jury did not find any documentation that indicated that the Diocese of Erie ever reported the case to local law enforcement. Additionally, there is no indication that the Diocese offered any counseling to the victim.

Pawlaczyk is deceased and buried at Calvary Cemetery in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Erie. 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 Erie may have legal options, but filing deadlines will apply so please do not delay in reaching out to us.

Contact us at 888-283-9922 or adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com to discuss your options today.


Safeguard Your Future with Professional Legal Support

"*" indicates required fields

First Name*
Last Name*
How Would You Like To Be Contacted?
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
Disclaimer*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Related Blogs

  • How Can a Lawyer Help File a Sexual Abuse Claim Against Organizations?
  • Fr. Bernard Schmaltz – Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
  • Fr. Gerald Prinz – Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
  • Father Gerard Kinane – Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux
  • How Do I File a Sexual Abuse Claim Against Clergy?
  • Fr. William Mannion, Jr. – Archdiocese of Baltimore
  • Health Department Issues Order Revoking Tommie James’ Massage Therapy License
  • Finding strength: Overcoming blame and embracing courage
  • Horowitz Law Client Sues Fontainebleau Hotel For Sexual Assault in Spa
  • What counts as a sexual assault during a massage?

Skilled Advocacy

Cycles Of Abuse And Fear Stop Here

The physical and emotional pain that stems from sexual abuse and assault can be devastating and have lasting, catastrophic effects on one’s life. If you or someone you love has been sexually assaulted or molested, contact a lawyer for sexual assault and child molestation victims today at 954-641-2100.

Meet Our Team

Contact Horowitz Law

While this website provides general information, it does not constitute legal advice. The best way to get guidance on your specific legal issue is to contact a lawyer. To schedule a meeting with an attorney, please call the firm or complete the intake form.

 

Cycles Of Abuse And Fear Stop Here

"*" indicates required fields

Name*
How Would You Like To Be Contacted?
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
Disclaimer*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Fort Lauderdale, FL
110 E Broward Blvd, Suite 1530
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-641-2100
Horowitz Law Logo
  • About
  • Blog
  • Team
© 2025 Horowitz Law   Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Sitemap