Mr. Robert Viszneki
(Parish Volunteer)
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Mr. Robert Viszneki:
Mr. Robert Viszneki was a parish volunteer in the Diocese of Erie. According to media reports, in June 2018, he was charged with forcing a girl under the age of 13 to engage in sexual intercourse. According to law enforcement, the sexual abuse occurred between May 2017 and May 2018 in Millcreek, Pennsylvania. Viszneki was charged with seven crimes, including aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, endangering the welfare of children, and corruption of minors.
Viszneki’s connection to the victim is not clear from media reports, but he does appear on the Diocese of Erie’s list of accused individuals whose behavior prohibits them from working with minors. Whether Visznecki met the girl through his work with the Diocese of Erie, or through some other means, has not been made public by law enforcement. One of the seven charges now pending against Viszneki was child endangerment by a parent, guardian, or other person supervising the welfare of the child. Under Pennsylvania law, that is anyone other than a parent or guardian that provides care, education, training or control of a child.
The Diocese of Erie has offered no public statement on the matter.
According to media reports, in June 2019, Visznecki pled guilty to third-degree felony counts of indecent assault, corruption of a minor and endangering the welfare of a child as part of a plea bargain. He received a sentence of four- to eight-years in prison. He is also required to register as a sex offender for life.
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 [email protected] to discuss your options today.